First report of Bactrocera latifrons in France
The NPPO of France recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first occurrence of the solanum fruit fly Bactrocera latifrons (Diptera: Tephritidae – EPPO A1 List) on its territory. An adult of B. latifrons was caught and frozen by an arboriculturist in November 2022 in Rhône department (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region). The regional phytosanitary services were informed of this detection in January 2023. This is the first time that B. latifrons is found in France.
Investigations are ongoing at sites considered ‘at risk’ in the vicinity of the detection site (e.g. fruit and vegetable retailers, fresh produce wholesale market, composting sites). Until now, no symptoms have been observed and no larvae of B. latifrons have been found. The NPPO considers that this isolated finding is most likely linked to the import of infested exotic products, and not linked to an outbreak. In addition, it is very likely that the cold weather prevailing in January in the Rhone department has killed any other specimens.
The pest status of Bactrocera latifrons in France is officially declared as: Transient, isolated finding, not linked to an outbreak.
Sources
NPPO of France (2023-02).