Pests recently intercepted in the Netherlands
The following pests have recently been detected on imported plant material (interceptions) by the Dutch NPPO. Their potential risk was evaluated by a Quick scan. A short summary is presented below.
- Austropuccinia psidii (myrtle rust - formerly EPPO Alert List): this fungus was detected on plants for planting of Syzygium imported from China. It can infect many species within the Myrtaceae family. It could establish and cause damage in parts of the EU that have an oceanic or humid subtropical climate (e.g. in Eucalyptus plantations).
- Melanagromyza obtusa (Diptera: Agromyzidae): this pod fly was detected in pods on pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). As it originates in tropical Asia, outdoor establishment in the Netherlands is considered unlikely.
- Monema flavescens (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) was intercepted on bonsais of Crataegus originating in Japan. This pest is native to Asia. The larvae can defoliate broadleaf tree species. Recent papers suggest that it is damaging in urban areas and orchards in China. Official measures will be taken in the case of a finding or interception.
Sources
NVWA (2024) Quick scan for Austropuccinia psidii https://pra.eppo.int/pra/ae7a38d5-c675-47e1-8bbf-8d8972dcd0a4
NVWA (2024) Quick scan for Melanagromyza obtusa. https://pra.eppo.int/pra/af648f14-3b2a-465f-9fa4-3841f001d9b0
NVWA (2024) Quick scan for Monema flavescens. https://pra.eppo.int/pra/3cb6b4f7-c0a6-4985-9a6a-17ac3e2a367d