Incursion of Helicoverpa armigera in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the finding of a single larva of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae – EPPO A2 List) in potted plants of Pelargonium destined for the final consumer. This larva was detected on 2012-03-06 during the routine inspection of a lot of 10;000 potted plants of Pelargonium growing in one glasshouse. Detailed inspection revealed that several plants of the same lot presented feeding damage. No damage or other signs of the pest were found in adjacent lots. Eradication measures consisting of at least two insecticide sprays prior to release of the lot were applied. Further investigations at the company and tracing-back studies revealed that the source of this incursion was directly linked to the import of cuttings from Kenya. Further specific surveillance of other companies did not reveal any signs of the pest. In recent years, similar findings have been recorded in the Netherlands. These incursions were linked to the import of cuttings from third countries, and all have been successfully eradicated.
The pest status of Helicoverpa armigera in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Absent, pest eradicated (2003, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012), confirmed by survey.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2012-03).