Identity of Liriomyza sp. intercepted on basil from Israel
In 1999, Liriomyza sativae (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) was reported as intercepted on basil imported into France from Israel (RS 99/164, 99/183), and this identification was confirmed after surveys in Israel (RS 99/151). However, the specimens identified in the Israeli surveys, when sent for confirmatory identification to the Natural History Museum in London (GB), were found to be L. bryoniae (EU quarantine pest) (RS 2000/001), and it was concluded that the situation of L. sativae in Israel was "unconfirmed". Later in 1999, France again intercepted Liriomyza sp. on basil from Israel (RS 2000/071). The specimens were sent to Israel and forwarded again to the Natural History Museum, where they were found to be probably L. trifolii (EPPO A2 quarantine pest).
It may be noted that France and UK frequently intercept L. sativae on basil from Thailand (cf. RS citations as above), and also that UK has recently been intercepting what is referred to as "suspect sativae or trifolii" on Aster and Solidago cut flowers from Israel (RS 2000/071, 2000/111).
To be continued!
Sources
NPPO of Israel