Eradication of Bemisia tabaci in Finland
In Finland, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae - EPPO A2 List) is reported occasionally on glasshouse crops (mainly on poinsettias – Euphorbia pulcherrima) where it is introduced via imported plant material. When the pest is detected, it is subject to eradication measures to prevent its establishment. B. tabaci was found several times (35) in 31 different production sites in 2011, and once in spring 2012 (EPPO RS 2011/203, 2012/096). 23 of these 36 outbreaks were found in poinsettia production, and the rest in bedding or pot plant production. In all cases, growers have applied appropriate treatments and quarantine measures to eradicate the pest. Heavily infested lots have been destroyed and insecticides have been applied. As B. tabaci is no longer found in these production sites, the NPPO of Finland considers that it has been eradicated.
The pest status of Bemisia tabaci in Finland is officially declared as: Absent, pest eradicated.
Sources
NPPO of Finland (2012-06).