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"Tomato Ebola" destroys Nigeria’s tomato harvest"

The ravaging insect pest known as "Tuta Absoluta" has destroyed an estimated 40% of anticipated harvest. However Nigerians are gradually switching to pastes, on account of prices that have gone up by 105%.

According to BusinessDay, many fresh tomato sellers have also resorted to purchasing the produce from neighboring countries, especially the Republic of Benin and Cameroon, in an effort to bridge the shortfall in Nigeria.

The disease which farmers also refer to as "Tomato Ebola" has reduced locally available fresh tomatoes, forcing consumers to buy canned purees/pastes which are relatively cheaper.

Tuta absoluta is a harmful leaf mining moth, also called tomato leaf miner and has a strong preference for the tomato plant. The moth travels and breeds in swarms and has a reputation for swiftly ravaging tomato cultivation in a little above 48 hours – prompting farmers to nickname it Tomato Ebola.

Read more at naij.com
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