Climate change increases the risk for invasive species as more hospitable weather allows movement into new areas. With no natural enemies to stop it, the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta can wipe out a country's tomato harvest.

The pest, if left unchecked in Nepal, could be devastating for farmers and consumers in a country where 70 percent of the population works in agriculture. 

To help the country take steps that will help spare vital food crops, the Virginia Tech-led Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Integrated Pest Management outlined strategies during a symposium it organized on the tomato pest at an international climate change conference in Kathmandu.

The Integrated Pest Management Innovation Lab is a project of the Office of International Research, Education, and Development, part of Outreach and International Affairs.

Written by Stephanie Parker

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