White fly damages 200,000 tons of tomato crops

White fly has damaged an estimated 200,000 tons of tomato crops, said the association of fruit and vegetable producers and exporters.

A large of part of the tomato crops in Agadir (southwestern Morocco) is lost or is threatened and as a result several exporters have cancelled or delayed their contract with international partners, said the association vice-chairman, Houcine Adardor.

As a result, it is expected that the national market and exports will know a shortage of tomatoes in winter.

The white fly, which appeared in the 50's in the middle east, Turkey and Greece, moved in the 80's to Spain and then to Morocco after contaminated tomato seeds were bought by Moroccan farmers.