IMPROVING DETECTION AND SURVEILLANCE METHODS FOR TUTA ABSOLUTA, A SERIOUS NEW THREAT FOR TOMATO INDUSTRY

Tuta absoluta is one of the most devastating insect pests of tomatoes, causing between 80-100% crop loss in recently invaded areas. Native to South America, it has spread to almost every continent and is threatening invasion into the U.S. The rapid spread of T. absoluta is attributed to the lack of efficient detection methods for this gelechiid moth, which resembles endemic species morphologically. The overall goal of this project is to leverage new genomic resources we have developed for T. absoluta and closely related gelechiids to develop rapid molecular diagnostics to differentiate T. absoluta of all life stages from closely related gelechiids that are native to the U.S. Specifically, we will (1) sequence genomes of gelechiids that are morphologically similar to T. absoluta, (2) performed bioinformatic analysis to design species diagnostics, (3) validate Taqman and CRISPR-based diagnostics in the laboratory, and (4) validate in-field CRISPR-based molecular diagnostics for species identification. More efficient and accurate diagnostics will decrease time required for positive identification by regulators and reduce length of costly quarantine holds for the crop industries. Furthermore, development of in-field diagnostics will facilitate monitoring efforts by crop consultants and regulatory personnel, enable prompt response to prevent the establishment of T. absoluta, and contain its spread. The primary beneficiaries of this project are industries involved in the production of tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants, which represent major hosts for T. absoluta. Beyond this project, the diagnostic technologies we develop can be broadly utilized to detect other key insect pests or plant disease agents.