New pests found in Slovenia
The NPPO of Slovenia informed the EPPO Secretariat of the occurrence of the following new pests on its territory.
Dasineura oxycoccana (Diptera: Cecidomyidae - formerly on the EPPO Alert List)
In September 2004, during regular inspections of planting material moving in trade, Dasineura oxycoccana was found on a consignment of Vaccinium corymbosum (36 plants) originating from Germany. Damage on young shoots and leaves was observed, as well as living larvae. Vaccinium growers and amateurs from the surroundings of Ljubljana and Maribor indicated that similar damage had been repeatedly observed during the past few years. Until this finding, D. oxycoccana, which originates from North America, had only been reported from Italy (see EPPO RS 99/045).
The situation of Dasineura oxycoccana in Slovenia can be described as follows: Present, intercepted in 2004 on Vaccinium corymbosum plants; probably more widespread but detailed distribution data is not available.
Leptoglossus occidentalis (Heteroptera: Coreidae)
In autumn 2003, Leptoglossus occidentalis (leaf-footed conifer seed bug) was found for the first time in Slovenia at Brje, a village near Komen. This forest insect of American origin feeding on seeds of several conifer species was first reported in Europe in northern Italy. It was first collected in 1999 in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It is now spreading in the area along the Slovenian-Italian border. In 2004, some specimens were caught in Ljubljana, in the central part of the country, which indicated its rapid spread towards the east. No damage has been noticed yet, as there is no important pine seed production in this area.
The situation of Leptoglossus occidentalis in Slovenia can be described as follows: Present in some areas in the western part of the country.
Phyllocnistis vitegenella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)
A new leafminer of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) originating from America, Phyllocnistis vitegenella, was found in Slovenia for the first time in September 2004. In Europe, the introduction of P. vitegenella was first reported in northern Italy in 1995 (Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia). In Slovenia, pest populations are low and limited to the bordering regions with Italy. So far, no damage has been reported and no official measures have been taken.
The situation of Phyllocnistis vitegenella in Slovenia can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2004 on Vitis vinifera along the Italian border, distribution is still limited.
Orientus ishidae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
Orientus ishidae is thought to originate from Asia. In Europe, it was first reported in Switzerland in 2002. In Slovenia, it was found for the first time in 2004. So far, it is know to occur at 2 locations (Ljubljana and Nova Gorica). It was collected (with sweep nets) from willows (Salix) in Ljubljana while in Nova Gorica it was mainly found on various fruit trees such as apples, cherries, and persimmon (Diospyros kaki). O. ishidae is not considered as a pest of crops, but is suspected to be a vector of phytoplasmas. It is considered to be a potential vector of phytoplasmas (such as Peach-X disease phytoplasma) in North America.
The situation of Orientus ishidae in Slovenia can be described as follows: Present, limited to only 2 localities.
Sources
NPPO of Slovenia, 2006-05.