Given the strong presence of the Tuta absoluta pest in tomato cultivation this year, La Unió Llauradora has asked the Regional Ministry of Agriculture to establish measures to manage this pest, such as a 100% subsidy or free distribution of sexual confusion pheromones and the exceptional authorization of the Tutavir pesticide, which Andalusia has already started to implement.
© La Unió
The proposal involves directly providing farmers with sexual confusion pheromone diffusers through agricultural support programs or subsidizing the purchase of these products so that producers can access them free of charge. This technique has multiple advantages, such as a high efficiency in pest control, and does not generate resistance, unlike conventional insecticides. Moreover, it is a system suitable for organic production and compatible with integrated control, with zero residues in the crop and no impact on food safety or pollinators such as bees.
In recent weeks, La Unió has received numerous complaints from tomato producers who face increasing costs and difficulties in pest management, as is the case with the Tuta absoluta pest, which this year has a particularly high incidence and a much higher number of catches than in previous years at this time of year. The foreseeable increase in temperature in the coming weeks may further aggravate the situation. Thus, the organization believes that it is essential to act quickly and effectively to guarantee the crop's viability.
© La Unió
Previous experience in other crops shows that the pheromone sexual confusion technique works and is viable. A similar technique has been applied for years in rice cultivation, 100% subsidized by the Ministry of Agriculture, to combat cucat (Chilo suppressalis).
Currently, the Valencian Community has around 1,000 hectares devoted to tomato cultivation. The application of this technique would cost approximately 700,000 euros for the entire area, a figure perfectly acceptable within the Ministry's budget.
© La Unió
In addition to sexual confusion, it is essential to expand the integrated control tools against Tuta absoluta. In this sense, a microbiological insecticide based on Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhopGV) represents an innovative and sustainable alternative that offers key benefits for farmers. It is suitable for organic farming, has no residues or safety period, and is safe for human consumption. Since Andalusia has already requested the exceptional authorization for this product, the Valencia Region can join this request immediately. Therefore, La Unió has formally requested the Regional Ministry of Agriculture to include this product in the list of exceptional authorizations that will be sent to the Ministry of Agriculture.
For more information:
Fran Guillem
La Unió
Tel.: +34 663 39 63 95
Email: launio@launio.org
https://launio.org