By Catherine Nakato
Researchers from the National Agricultural Research Organization Namulonge have warned the public against the new pest of tomatoes commonly known as invasive tomato leaf Miner that is believed to have originated from South Africa.
“The new tomato Pest known as tomato Alsha-bab in Nigeria, Tuta absoluta in South America has now come to Uganda and is spreading widely therefore farmers should take caution,” says Ramathan Idd the research scientist at NARO.
Ramathan adds that the pest feeds in between the tomato causing a whiteish color within the seeds.
Researchers also say that once the larvae hatch, they mine into the leaves and also bore inside the stems and fruits to feed, often leaving the unmarkable laying around 260 eggs in a period of 30 to 40 days.
Ramathan has therefore advised farmers to seek advice on the control of the new tomato paste from well-trained farmers and NARO and also advised the Ministry of Agriculture to train extension workers.
