First report of Diabrotica virgifera in United Kingdom
The NPPO of United Kingdom has informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first findings of Diabrotica virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae – EPPO A2 list) on its territory. The insect was trapped at two sites near London, to the west and north west of Heathrow Airport. The findings were made on 28 August 2003. In one location, only one beetle has been trapped; in the other over 60 have been trapped. Considering the number of insects caught at one site, it is felt that it has been present in the country for more than a year. Eradication measures are now under consideration and are likely to include early harvest of the crop for silage and further precautions to prevent spread of the pest from outbreak sites. Limitations on future cropping are also likely to be applied to fields where infestation has been confirmed. Further searches are being undertaken and traps are being placed in other maize crops in the area. The situation of Diabrotica virgifera in United Kingdom can be described as follows: Present, first trapped in 2003 near Heathrow airport, under official control.
Sources
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NPPO of United Kingdom, 2003-09.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), UK, Plant Health Web site.
New pest of maize found in the UK.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2003/030904c.htm
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