Farmers across South Africa have faced significant challenges in managing Tuta absoluta, also known as the tomato leaf miner, a pest that has rapidly established itself in tomato-producing regions since it arrived in 2016. This invasive species, native to South America, poses a serious threat to crops, with the potential to cause up to 100% yield loss if left unmanaged.
Blessing Mphahlele, a PhD candidate at the University of Pretoria, sheds light on sustainable strategies for combatting this pest. His research focuses on developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that combine insecticides, biological controls, and mechanical methods to reduce dependency on any single solution.
Tuta absoluta primarily affects tomatoes but can also target other Solanaceae crops, such as potatoes, eggplants, and peppers. The pest thrives in tomato-producing regions like Limpopo, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga, making it a nationwide concern.
“Farmers have been using insecticides as their primary control method, but this pest has shown the potential to develop insecticide resistance. This resistance diminishes the effectiveness of chemical controls, leaving farmers without reliable solutions,” he says.
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Why integrated pest management is crucial
IPM is a combination of control methods to maintain pest populations below economically damaging levels. Mphahlele explains, “Insecticide application should be the last resort. Farmers need to first explore other control measures to complement chemical solutions and delay the development of resistance.”
For example, Mphahlele’s research recommends that farmers base their insecticide application on action thresholds, such as when trap catches exceed 50 moths per pheromone trap, rather than spraying at the first sight of pests.
“During our experiments in Gauteng, we found that weekly insecticide applications and applications triggered by the 50-moth threshold resulted in similar crop damage. However, the latter approach significantly reduced operational costs and minimised harm to beneficial insects and the environment,” he says.
In this episode, Mphahlele also discusses:
- The Nesibug for biological control; and
- Practical advice for sustainable pest management.
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