Start date: 1 April 2021
End date: 31 March 2022

Tomato production is threatened by the spread of invasive Tuta absoluta, a serious pest that can cause up to 100% losses, leading to an increase in tomato market prices in affected countries.  T. absoluta can spread from infested areas through containers, packaging equipment, transportation vehicles, seedlings, etc. Farmers, outdoor markets, or vegetable repacking/distribution centers are potential sources for the introduction and spread of T. absoluta. It is imperative to support phytosanitary and quarantine offices in countries at risk that have not yet included T. absoluta in their plant quarantine pest list.

How does the project address the issue?

• Improves regional cooperation between ASEAN Member States (AMS) and WorldVeg to set up pest surveillance at possible ports of entry in AMS countries where Tuta absoluta has not yet been reported.
• Builds the capacity of quarantine and plant protection offices to set up appropriate T. absoluta monitoring systems and offers technical assistance to develop a detailed action plan/phytosanitary surveillance protocol for a rapid response in case the insect pest is detected.
• Establishes a common platform to share and discuss surveillance results at regular intervals. This will allow better coordination among AMS to provide inputs and details about the best strategies for monitoring/surveillance skills, and management options following international standards for phytosanitary measures.

What results are expected?

1. AMS quarantine officers and research and extension staff trained on strategies to recognize T. absoluta, the importance of a proper phytosanitary process, inspection, monitoring, morphological and molecular identification of the insect, main pathways for invasion, and management strategies should the pest arrive.
2. Phytosanitary surveillance protocols locally adapted for detection of T. absoluta in high-risk areas, based on particular requirements from each AMS.