First report of Phyllocnistis vitegenella in Switzerland
Phyllocnistis vitegenella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) is a leafminer of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) originating from North America which was introduced into Europe in the 1990s. It was first reported in Northern Italy in 1994 in Veneto region (Province of Vicenza). In the following years, it spread to other provinces of Veneto (Padova, Treviso, Verona) and other Italian regions (Friuli Venezia-Giulia in 2001, Emilia-Romagna in 2005, Trentino in 2009). In 2004, its presence was also noted in Slovenia (EPPO RS 2006/160).
In Switzerland, P. vitegenella was first observed in 2009 in Ticino. As the pest was found in several municipalities of Mendrisiotto, it is suspected that it has been present for several years. For the moment, no economic damage has been reported in European vineyards. Studies carried out in Italy, and preliminary observations made in Switzerland showed that several native species of parasitoids are able to develop on this newly introduced species and probably contribute to limit its populations.
Sources
Cara C, Jermini M (2011) La mineuse américaine Phyllocnistis vitegenella un nouveau ravageur de la vigne au Tessin. Revue Suisse de Viticulture, Arboriculture, Horticulture 43(4), 224-230.