Occurrence of Helicoverpa armigera in Germany
In 2003, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae – EPPO A2 list) was found in Baden-Württemberg on a great diversity of plants grown outdoors as well as under protected conditions. The pest caused considerable damage, in particular in the regions of the Bodensee, Upper Rhine and Karlsruhe/Mannheim. Vegetable crops, maize, rape, tobacco, roses and chrysanthemum were the most affected crops. It may be assumed that the pest had been introduced with infested material from Southern countries. Natural spread and development under the favourable weather conditions of 2003 could also be a reason for its wide occurrence. Establishment may however be doubted as the general climate in Germany, and in particular in Baden-Württemberg, will not allow overwintering of the pest.
The declared status of H. armigera in Germany is: Transient, found only in some areas during summer in years of favourable weather conditions.
Sources
NPPO of Germany, 2004-02.