First report of Contarinia pseudotsugae in Germany
Following the first records of a Douglas fir needle midge tentatively identified as Contarinia pseudotsugae* (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae – EPPO Alert List) in Belgium and the Netherlands (EPPO RS 2016/007, 2016/008, and 2016/030), surveys were carried out in Germany. The insect was found on Pseudotsuga spp. in forests in Baden-Wuerttemberg (Freudenstadt, Konstanz and Heilbronn) and reported from 1 location in Rhineland-Palatinate (Ahrweiler). As only larvae were collected inside needles, the identity of the insect remains to be confirmed but the occurrence of C. pseudotsugae is suspected. The survey will continue in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. The decision to take phytosanitary measures is awaiting results of the survey.
The pest status of Contarinia pseudotsugae in Germany is officially declared as: Present, only in parts of the area.
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* The identity of the pest remains to be confirmed on adult specimens as only larvae were collected.
Sources
NPPO of Germany (2016-04).