First report of Meloidogyne enterolobii in Italy
The NPPO of Italy recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Meloidogyne enterolobii (EPPO A2 List) on its territory. The root knot nematode was detected following the report by the NPPO of the Netherlands concerning a finding of M. enterolobii in Ficus microcarpa plants imported from China (EPPO RS 2023/046) and re-exported to Italy. M. enterolobii was found in March 2023 in one greenhouse where F. microcarpa are grown in pots in the municipality of Piancastagnaio (province of Siena, Toscana region). Leaves and roots were asymptomatic. The entire lot will be destroyed and nematicides applied on plants of the same species throughout the production site. An intensive monitoring programme will be carried out in the production site. Trace back and forward inspections related to the presence of M. enterolobii are ongoing.
The pest status of Meloidogyne enterolobii in Italy is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2022-04).