The global damage caused by the South American tomato leafminer (Phthorimaea absoluta) poses a significant threat to tomato production worldwide, including in Vietnam. Since its first official recording in Son La province in 2019, tomato growers have faced potential crop losses of 80–100%. A combination of its spread and ability to develop resistance to pesticides has led to traditional chemical control methods becoming increasingly ineffective. This highlighted the need for more sustainable and integrated management approaches.
In response to these challenges, a recent webinar brought together experts to share their insights and experiences. The webinar, "Management of Tomato Leafminer (Phthorimaea absoluta): Global Perspectives and Solutions for Vietnam", was organized by the Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS), and CABI – who have been supporting smallholder farmers in Vietnam is through the PlantwisePlus program.
The webinar featured presentations by:
● Dr Nguyễn Văn Liêm, Director of PPRI VAAS Vietnam;
● Dr Malvika Chaudhary, Global Team Leader, Digital product usage, CABI;
● Assistant Prof. Antonio Onofre Costa and Miranda Soares from the University of the Azores, Portugal;
● Dr V. Sridhar from the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR); and
● Dr Debraj Adhikari from Nepal's Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre.
Read the full article on PlantwisePlus Blog.