Tuta absoluta identified in Dadeldhura during LRP training

Tuta absoluta identified in Dadeldhura during LRP training

Tuta is one of the notorious insect pests of vegetables. It was first identified in South America and scientists claim that this has entered Nepal through Europe, Nigeria, Middle-east Asia and India.

It has been recently identified in Nepal and officially proved on B.S. 2073, Jesth 3. Initial study showed that this pest has been found in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur as well as Kavre, Dhading and known to be causing up to cent percent damage. 

Nature of Damage

As soon as the eggs are hatched, larva enters the plant through leaves, stem, twigs and fruits. It feeds upon green parts of leaves. With closer view, larva can be seen inside the white net like structure on the surface of leaves and black dung can be seen on the periphery. It makes pinhole near the rind of the fruit, enters and damages the fruit. It also damages the tender fruits. In highly affected areas, mother butterfly can be seen flying. It also enters the younger stem and faeces are seen around the hole. In severe conditions, all leaves are burnt and damaged.

Date of Monitoring

An exposure visit of LRP training was conducted on 10^th September, 2017at USAID funded ENBAITA project demonstration site set up at Amargadhi Municipality 07, Dadeldhura.The demonstration integrated different climate smart technologies viz. poly-house, drip irrigation, mulching technology, rope staking technology and IPM tools.While observing field under the guidance of resource persons (RPs), all of a sudden MER officer of Suaahara II plucked out an abnormal leaf from a plant. The leaf had some insect on it wrapped in some net like structure. The RPs examined closely and with no hesitation identified the pest to be Tuta.

“Though the earlier prevalence of the pest was not recorded in Dadeldhura, trap with TLM lure was installed for monitoring purpose” said Mr. Suman Sharma, Program Officer of ENBAITA Project.  On inspection, an adult of Tuta pest was found in the trap. The incidence was assumed due to transportation from India through seeds and fruits of the tomato. The sample was showed during the Agriculture Alliance Meeting summoned by Amargadhi Municipality and confirmed to be Tuta pest by the head of agricultural unit of Amargadhi municipality Mr. Tek Bahadur Bista. He assured that he would take immediate actions regarding the monitoring of the insect and check the infestation in the district. He said that it was bit of luck to identify the pest ahead of further spread or else it could cause a serious problem for all the vegetable growers of the district.

                                          Report Jointly Prepared by: