Tomato leaf miner - Phthorimaea absoluta
Effective: March 18, 2014 - February 19, 2024
Taxonomic Position: Lepidoptera : Gelechiidae
Pest Type: Insects
Pest Code (NAPIS): ITAMCLA
This pest is a member of the following surveys: Solanaceous Hosts
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Pest Information
CAPS Pest Datasheet: https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/4600
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/ITAMCLA
Hosts Identified in the CAPS Host Matrix:
Tomato
Human and Animal Pathogens Transmitted:

Not known to transmit any human or animal pathogens.

Pest Pathogens and Organisms Vectored:

Not known to vector any pathogens or other associated organisms but damage may lead to invasion by secondary pests.

Survey

Approved Method(s)
Method Detail NAPIS Survey Method
Trap 101 - Large Plastic Delta Trap Kits, Orange 3001 - General Trapping Procedure
Trap 102 - Large Plastic Delta Trap Kits, Red 3001 - General Trapping Procedure
Trap 103 - Large Plastic Delta Trap Kits, White 3001 - General Trapping Procedure
Trap Spacing:
When trapping for more than one species of moth, separate traps for different moth species by at least 20 meters (65 feet).
Method Notes:

Likelihood of Establishment Map 
A Likelihood of Establishment Map is now available. This survey should only be considered in the states with appropriate weather conditions and suitable hosts for this moth. The map was produced by the SAFARIS Team. SAFARIS is a modeling framework that enables PPQ to quickly respond to emergencies, efficiently survey for pests, and assess potential pest impacts by collecting critical geospatial data and developing predictive models. SAFARIS is developed and maintained by the NC State University, Center for Integrated Pest Management (CIPM) with support from PPQ-S&T Plant Pest Risk Analysis (PPRA) Laboratory. The SAFARIS team used a weather suitability model for tomato leafminer occurrence in the continental United States to support CAPS survey planning. The model predicts the suitability of an area for tomato leafminer occurrence based on the likelihood of three favorable weather conditions for the disease occurring using tools and data within SAFARIS. The detailed method used in this assessment is described here. 9/11/12: A new type of sticky trap insert (liner), which uses a hard type of adhesive, has been approved for use in Phthorimaea absoluta CAPS surveys. This product has been tested by CPHST and has been found to be as effective as the traditional trap liners at capturing Phthorimaea absoluta. In addition, the identifiers are able to pre-screen a higher number of specimens from the hard glue liners, and the specimens tend to be of higher quality. The product name in the IPHIS survey Supply Catalog is Large Plastic Delta Trap - Liners - Hard Glue. Trap color is up to the state and does not affect trap efficacy.


Approved Lure(s)
NAPIS Code Product Dispenser Effectiveness Compound(s)
36 Phthorimaea absoluta Lure rubber septum 28 days E3Z8Z11-14Ac
E3Z8-14Ac
Lure Attachment:

Attaching lures to traps

IMPORTANT: Do not include lures for other target species in the trap when surveying for this target.


Survey Recommendations
The following are recommendations for executing the survey using the approved methods for pest surveillance. The recommendations are developed through literature review and consultation with subject matter experts.
Key Diagnostic or Identification

Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic:
Morphological: Phthorimaea absoluta is very similar to many species in the same family, Gelechiidae, including other tomato pests. For final identification, it is necessary to carefully examine adult male genitalic structures. Use Brambila et al. (2010).
Mistaken Identities:

Present in U.S.: Two other similar-looking species that may be found as pests in tomato fields are: Keiferia lycopersicella and Phthorimaea operculella.

Guides
Sample Submission Guidance for Lepidoptera
References
  1. USDA-APHIS-PPQ-EDP. 2010. New Pest Response Guidelines: The Tomato Leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick). U.S. Department Of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Riverdale, Maryland. In Review.

If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.