First report of Tuta absoluta in Austria
In Austria, the presence of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae – EPPO A2 List) was reported for the first time in the region of Burgenland in 2010. This finding was an isolated one and since 2010 no other individuals of T. absoluta have been found at this site. In May 2011, T. absoluta was found in the region of Vienna during a monitoring programme. The pest was caught in pheromone traps placed in a traders' warehouse where tomato fruits were stored. The identity of the pest was determined on the basis of morphological characteristics by the laboratory of the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES). The origin of the pest could not be ascertained because, at the time of finding, several consignments from different southern countries had been delivered. The monitoring programme will continue and be extended to other districts of Vienna.
The pest status of Tuta absoluta in Austria is officially declared as: Transient: actionable, under surveillance.
Sources
NPPO of Austria (2011-12).