Greenhouse tomato production in Turkey’s Mediterranean region is being threatened by tuta absoluta, a pest that damages the flowers, buds, leaves and fruit of the plant, according to Hurriyet Daily News.
Authorities estimate losses at over 25 per cent since January, when the pest was first detected in large greenhouses in Antalya's Kumluca district.
Although there exist pesticides to control the spread of the pest, there are fears that exports could be affected as a result of their use.
Agricultural engineer Aysegül Tandogan commented: “Our previous experience shows that Turkey’s customers and also tomato importer countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria may sometimes be overly sensitive about the pesticide issue. If the transmission of the moth cannot be stopped, the producers and exporters may face serious losses.”
While there is relief that most tomato exports have already been completed for 2010, some are concerned that the 2011 could badly hit.
'We should do our best to save next year given the fact that Tuta absoluta is spreading very quickly,” said Mustafa Satici, head of the Antalya Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Union.
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