Tuta absoluta expands her presence in open field matches in Hungary

The tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta, currently named Phthorimaea absoluta, has consolidated its presence in open-field crops in Hungary and maintained adult activity from May to December 2023. Monitoring with pheromone traps detected the pest in 21 of the 23 locations evaluated in the country. In Budapest and Békéscsaba-Gerla, researchers recorded five overlapping generations during the year.

The data indicate a change in the species' occurrence pattern, previously associated mainly with greenhouses in temperate regions. The pest showed greater abundance in large urban areas. Researchers relate this result to warmer microclimates, under the urban heat island effect. The difference in density between highly urbanized locations and less urbanized areas reached statistical significance.

In Budapest, the first flight took place on May 24th. In Békéscsaba-Gerla, it began on May 25th. The dates preceded the estimates based on thermal accumulation by one to two weeks. The model adopted a threshold of eight degrees Celsius and a requirement of approximately 460 degrees Celsius-days per generation.

Calculations indicated approximately 5,3 generations in Budapest and 5,2 in Békéscsaba-Gerla. Captures confirmed five generations in both locations.

The early onset of flights suggests a greater capacity for survival during winter in open fields. Scientists emphasize the need for specific studies to confirm this hypothesis. The work also reinforces the importance of early detection and integrated pest management (doi 10.3390/insects17080850).