The British Tomato Growers’ Association, in conjunction with the Horticultural Development Company, is organising a seminar for all those involved in the production, marketing and importation of tomatoes in order to provide the latest information on this and other threats to the UK crop.
Leading government scientists and plant health inspectors from the Food and Environment Research Agency and industry consultants will advise on their prevention and control.
A number of pests and diseases not previously found in the UK are currently threatening tomato supplies, not just those grown here but also those imported and packed here. The pest which has triggered most alarm bells is the South American tomato moth Tuta absoluta, which has found its way from its natural habitat to the Mediterranean basin and then, in supplies of Spanish tomatoes, to the UK.
It has been found here for the first time in 2009 in a number of packhouses and has escaped from some of these onto UK production sites in packing material and crates.
The event, to be held on January 14, 2010 in the Avon Suite of Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, will address the issue as well as a number of other pests and dangers to plant health.
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