Prepare for the worst, scope for the pest

It has also invaded China, the largest tomato producer in the world.

In August 2017, during field surveillance in Yili, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, researchers found infestation of lepidopteran larvae on field-grown tomato plants, which was later identified as the tomato leaf miner.

According to Liu Wanxue, director of the department of biological invasions at the Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, it was the first record of the pest in China.

"It means there needs to be detection and monitoring techniques and prevention measures including plant quarantine and studies of its natural enemies to prevent further spread of new invasive insect pests," Liu says.