Published Mar 14, 2025
Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) has been considered a serious threat to tomato production in Kenya. The pest develops rapidly, therefore making it a challenge to control and develop insecticide-resistant strains.
The larvae burrow into the fruit and mine the leaves, producing large galleries both in open fields and greenhouses. Blotch-shaped mines are the most distinctive symptoms. Damages to fruits allow entry of fungal diseases, which leads to the rotting of fruits either before or after harvest.
Management of Tuta absoluta
The best combination of molecules to control Tuta absoluta are;
Ryanoids e.g flumbendiamine, chlorantraniliprole (ctpr). Examples of brand names include;
Voliam Targo https://agropests.co.ke/products?s=Voliam%20Targo
Avermectins e.g Abamectin, Emamectin benzoate. Examples of brand names include;
Occasion Star https://agropests.co.ke/products?s=occasion%20star
Oxadiazine e.g Indoxacarb such as:
Occasion Star https://agropests.co.ke/products?s=occasion%20star
Benzoylphenyl urea e.g Lufenuron such as:
Spyrroles e.g spinosad, spinetoram such as: