Development and Implementation of a Sustainable IPM and Surveillance Program for the Invasive Tomato Leafminer, Tuta Absoluta (Meyrick) in Sudan

Tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta is a serious insect pest that originates in South America. In its transatlantic invasion it was first detected in Spain in 2006, then the pest rapidly invaded Africa threatening tomato production in the continent. Since its detection in Sudan in 2010, farmers relied heavily on insecticides to reduce the exploding population of the pest. An Integrated Pest Management Approach (Tuta IPM) to manage the pest was initiated by Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC) in collaboration with the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and financed by German Federal Ministry of Economic Corporation and Development (GIZ). The project aimed to determine distribution, host plants, natural enemies as well as to test some novel approaches to control T. absoluta. The study regarding spatial distribution showed that, the pest was found all over the country attacking mainly tomato, eggplant, potato, broad bean, watermelon, alfa alfa and other wild plants. Four parasitic hymenopteran parasitoids and two predatory bugs were reported as natural enemies attacking larval stage. Three types of pheromone proofed their efficacy in trapping males of T. absoluta were registered for commercial use. Deployment of male lures especially (Tuta optima ) in water traps in tomato fields from seedling to harvest reduced the population level of the pest as well as the fruit loss percentage to 5%. Water extract of Neem corticated seeds at (5% and 8%) and Khilla leaves reduced the number of insects/leaflet of tomato and the infestation percentage and augmented the yield. Intercropping of tomato with coriander and fenugrik reduced the infestation levels of tomato by T. absoluta and improved the quantity and quality of yield when compared to cultivation of tomato as sole crop. Obtained knowledge regarding the pest and its IPM package was disseminated to different stakeholders through filed guide books, brochures, Training of Trainers (TOT), field days and broadcasting programs.