Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Detected in Namibe Province Angola

Aim: The aim of this study is to detect the presence of the South American tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Angola. This pest has recently attracted attention to the scientific community of Africa and worldwide due to its tomato destructive nature and its rapid spread. The invasion of T. absoluta in an area has negative impact on food safety, security and livelihood. Additionally, this may have ecological impact due to the loss of beneficial organisms by pesticides use, competition or co-existence with native arthropods and thereby perturbs the natural ecosystem.

Methodology: Between 3^rd to15^th February 2017 the survey was conducted in tomato farms in order to determine the presence of the pest in the province.

Result: During the survey, larvae were detected on the aerial parts of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) plants and created blotched leaf galleries and superficial mines on fruits. Additionally, the adult male was investigated under stereo microscope which captures by a specific pheromone traps (TUA optima lure), thereby confirming and indicating the presence or absence of T. absoluta in the tomato fields.

Conclusion: This is the first study on detection of tomato leaf miner, T. absoluta in Angola with its attendant destructive ability on tomatoes which should necessitate quick surveillance methods and management tactics before the situation gets out of control.