First reports of Drosophila suzukii and Zaprionus indianus in Cyprus, and confirmation of the presence of Z. tuberculatus
The NPPO of Cyprus recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the occurrence of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae - EPPO A2 List), Zaprionus indianus and Z. tuberculatus (both Diptera: Drosophilidae – EPPO Alert List) on its territory. Insect specimens were trapped in October 2016 and their identity was confirmed by laboratory studies (morphology, PCR, sequencing) in January 2017. No official control measures will be taken against these species.
- D. suzukii was detected for the first time in Cyprus in traps placed in commercial crops (unspecified deciduous plants) in Nicosia district.
- Zaprionus indianus was caught for the first time in Cyprus in traps placed in fig trees (Ficus carica) in private gardens in Limassol district.
- Zaprionus tuberculatus was caught in traps placed in commercial fig crops (F. carica) in Nicosia district.
The pest status of the three drosophilid species, Drosophila suzukii, Zaprionus indianus, and Z. tuberculatus, in Cyprus is officially declared as: Present, only in some areas.
Sources
NPPO of Cyprus (2017-03).