Surveillance for South American Tomato Leaf Miner Tuta absoluta Meyrick in Kolar and Chikkaballapur Districts of Karnataka

Tuta absoluta Meyrick, commonly known as the South American tomato leaf miner (SATLM), has emerged as a highly destructive insect pest of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) across the globe, including in India. Field studies were conducted against SATLM in two districts of Karnataka during Rabi 2019-20 to understand the extent of damage potato foliage. Mean percent infestation of SATLM and number of mined leaves per plant (4.47% and 8.31) in Kolar district and 2.51 percent with 2.95 mined leaves per plant was observed in Chikkaballapur district. Number of mines per plant was observed lowest (5.09) in Kolar and highest of 5.24 mines per plant was witnessed in Chikkaballapur district. The observed damage parameters showed no significant variation across the surveyed villages and taluks of the Kolar district whereas; it was significantly differed in percent SATLM incidence and all the damage parameters in Chikkaballapur district. In recent years, rising temperatures caused by climate change have led to an increase in the occurrence of SATLM, a trend expected to continue. As a result, developing control technologies and strengthening intensive monitoring will be essential to ensure stable potato production and maintain quality after harvest.