Diabrotica virgifera virgifera found in the canton of Uri (CH)
The NPPO of Switzerland recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the presence of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae – EPPO A2 List) in a new area of the canton of Uri. In August 2011, beetles were caught in pheromone traps in the localities of Erstfeld and Schattdorf. It is suspected that the pest was introduced into this area as a ‘hitch-hiker’ from the Southern part of the Alps, as the traps were placed along the highway, near the northern exit of the transalpine Gotthard tunnel. Phytosanitary measures were taken to prevent any further spread.
The current situation (as of August 2011) of D. virgifera virgifera in Switzerland and a detailed map can be viewed on the website of Agroscope. It is recalled that every year, the Cantonal Plant Protection Services install and check more than 200 traps. These traps are located in maize production areas and wherever the pest was trapped the year before, as well as along traffic routes, alpine passes and airports. In the areas situated north of the Alps, D. virgifera virgifera was captured at 3 sites in the canton of Uri and 2 sites in the canton of Lucerne. In the south of the Alps, D. virgifera virgifera was caught in several locations in Ticino (as in previous years). So far no damage has been recorded in Switzerland.
The pest status of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in Switzerland is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Switzerland (2011-08).
INTERNET
Website of Agroscope. Western corn rootworm. http://www.agroscope.admin.ch/index_phytosanitaire/02224/02239/02244/index.html?lang=en