Bemisia tabaci Defra consultation: a serious pest of tomato
Defra have recently launched a consultation to review policy on the control of the serious pest of tomato crops Bemisia tabaci: Defra consultation letter for B. tabaci.
Bemisia is a serious pest of tomato crops and has the capability of transmitting several serious tomato plant viruses including Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and is regularly intercepted on protected ornamental plants and planting material being imported into the UK from mainland Europe.
The options laid out for the future regulation of the best are follows:
Option 1: Status quo
Options 2 and 2A: Strengthening of current requirements of the pest
Option 3: Re-designate B. tabaci as a Regulated Non-Quarantine Pest
Option 4: Stop taking action against B. tabaci but maintain measures relating to the virus’ vectors.
TGA Technical Officer Dr Phil Morley and IPM expert Dr Rob Jacobson have been working on the response to the consultation over recent weeks. It is the view of the BTGA that only options 1, maintenance of current controls, or 2 & 2A, a strengthening of controls are acceptable. To request a copy of the BTGA response please email Phil Morley.
The consultation closes on 19th December if you wish to respond independently.