Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) have granted an Emergency Authorisation for the use of novel biological insecticide Tutavir®, to control tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) for tomatoes grown under permanent protection in the UK.
The Emergency Authorisation (1013 of 2023) permits tomato growers in England to apply Tutavir® to manage Tuta absoluta up until 30th September 2023.
Granting of the Emergency Authorisation is a result of a close collaboration within the industry between Horticulture Crop Protection UK Ltd (HCP), the British Tomato Growers Association (BTGA) and Andermatt. The six-month project to seek the Emergency Authorisation was led by Dr Phil Morley from the BTGA and successfully driven by Dr Joanna McTigue from HCP. This was wholeheartedly supported by HCP and membership of the BTGA. The Emergency Authorisation provides a new mode of action and hence an additional valuable tool for growers to use as part of their IPM strategies, to allow them to continue to supply consumers with locally grown British tomatoes.
“I am pleased that this project has resulted in tomato growers now having use of Tutavir® to help with the management of Tuta absoluta via an Emergency Authorisation for the 2023 growing season. The process of successfully achieving this authorisation has been a positive and collaborative effort between tomato growers, the BTGA, agronomists, Andermatt, and HCP.
This Emergency Authorisation demonstrates the importance of new biological plant protection products coming through to provide additional options within an IPM programme. We are committed to continue working with all involved until a full on-label authorisation can be gained for Tutavir®,” says Dr Joanna McTigue from HCP.
The British Tomato Growers’ Association in collaboration with Dr McTigue from HCP Ltd and the team from ‘Tutavir®’ product manufacturing company Andermatt have worked very closely together and with CRD over recent months to achieve the emergency approval for Tutavir, the first step in what they hope will subsequently be full approval.
Tutavir® is a valuable and effective biological component for the IPM control of the hugely important and damaging pest Tuta absoluta, in what is the first example of, post AHDB, a new and collaborative way of working, developing a framework for present and future issues ensuring crop protection products continue to be developed and made available to British growers. An excellent example of a truly innovative and joined up way for Growers, HCP Ltd, CRD and manufacturing companies working together, which we are certain will continue to develop in a positive and productive manner over coming months and years” commented Dr Phil Morley, Technical Officer at the British Tomato Growers’ Association.