A new pest threatens tomatoes in greenhouses and in the field

The tomato moth (Keiferia lycopersicella Walsingham), also known as the tomato moth, is one of the pests that may be included among 45 candidates on the list of priority pests of the EU according to a report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in a potential review of Regulation (EU) 2019/17022, according to a report by the Food Chain Risk Assessment Center (FCRAC). The State Fund for Agriculture paid 457 thousand leva to farmers to combat the tomato moth. The main host of the tomato moth is the tomato, but the species can also attack other members of the genus, including eggplants and potatoes. Although this species damages tomato leaves, the most serious economic losses are the result of damage to the fruits, especially fresh tomatoes for consumption, which worsens their commercial appearance, experts note. For potatoes and eggplants, the losses can also be significant. The adult pests are active at night, so they are unlikely to be seen. The female lays between 40 and ...