Baculovirus success in Sicily: A triumph for farmers

Sicily’s tomato production is a vital part of Italy’s agricultural sector, with around 7,000 hectares dedicated to tomato cultivation. However, the battle against pests like Tuta absoluta is relentless.

Andermatt’s baculovirus solution Tutavir^® contains a Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus for effective and selective control of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta. Having won the Bernard Blum award for most innovative biocontrol solutions in 2019, Tutavir^® was introduced into Italy in autumn 2022 through emergency registration.

Andermatt technical team recently visited Sicily and the partnering distribution company, CBC Biogard. The following feedback highlights the successful implementation of baculovirus-based bioinsecticides in Sicily and their impact on pest control in the region.

Adoption and Trust in Baculoviruses

Despite the low prevalence of organic farming in Sicily, Tutavir^® is increasingly being used in tomato Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. CBC Biogard plays a crucial role in educating farmers about baculoviruses, their effectiveness, and their correct application. Sicilian farmers have had very positive experiences with established Andermatt baculovirus products such as Littovir^® and Helicovex^® on protected strawberries, lettuce, bell peppers, and eggplant. This success has made them open to trying Tutavir^®.

Littovir infected Spodoptera littoralis larva (photo: CBC Biogard)

Innovative Solutions for Persistent Problems

The key players in this biocontrol success are three bioinsecticides: Tutavir^®, Littovir^®, and Helicovex^®. Each product targets specific pests that plague greenhouse crops in Sicily

1. Tutavir^® combats Tuta absoluta, a moth whose larvae can devastate tomato plants.

2. Littovir^® is effective against the African cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis).

3. Helicovex^® targets larvae of the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera).

Challenges and Adaptations in Sicilian Tomato Farming

Sicilian farmers face numerous challenges, from varying greenhouse management standards to external factors like fluctuating prices and labor shortages. The greenhouses range from high technology professional greenhouses to low technology open protective structures with plastic or net cover.

Approximately 7,000 hectares of tomatoes are cultivated in Sicily, with 50% grown in greenhouses. The average tomato farm size is 2-3 hectares. There are two primary production cycles: August to December and January to June, with an alternative cycle from September to May. The region’s mild winters and unusually dry conditions this year have accelerated the growth cycle, leading to higher pest pressure and earlier harvests.

A Strategic Approach to Pest Control

The implementation of baculoviruses is part of an IPM strategy that combines conventional and organic methods. Chemical synthetics as well as biological insecticides are used alongside Tutavir^®, Littovir^®, and Helicovex^®. Some farmers also employ mating disruption techniques.

CBC’s Role in Education and Support

CBC promotes Tutavir^® by carefully selecting producers with high technical understanding and good greenhouse management practices. They emphasize the importance of using Tutavir^® early at the start of pest presence and highlight its compatibility with other insecticides and fungicides. CBC provides direct support to farmers, ensuring they understand how to use the bioinsecticides effectively. This support is crucial, as Tutavir^® requires precise application for optimal results. An observation mentioned by CBC’s technical team is that Tutavir’s^® effects are less noticable in field, as it’s difficult to spot the infected larvae. Tuta absoluta larvae are smaller and less visible within the leaves, unlike the more familiar Spodoptera and Helicoverpa larvae.

Conclusion

The implementation of baculoviruses is part of an IPM strategy that combines conventional and organic methods. Chemical synthetics as well as biological insecticides are used alongside Tutavir^®, Littovir^®, and Helicovex^®. Some farmers also employ mating disruption techniques.

As Sicilian farmers continue to adapt to changing conditions and integrate these innovative solutions, the future of tomato production in the region looks promising.