Outbreaks of Bemisia tabaci in Finland
The NPPO of Finland recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of 3 outbreaks of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae - EPPO A2 List) on its territory. In August 2012, B. tabaci was detected in 3 production sites (glasshouses) of poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima cvs. ‘Winter rose early cream’, ‘Winter rose early red’ and various other cultivars). In one case, the grower himself had found whiteflies in his poinsettia production and alerted the NPPO; the 2 other cases were discovered during regular phytosanitary inspections. Tracing-back studies showed that on 2 sites, the cultivars ‘Winter rose early cream’ and ‘Winter rose early red’ had been produced with plants for planting originating from Italy. On 1 site, the origin of the different cultivars could not be ascertained. Eradication measures were immediately implemented (spraying programmes, destruction of the most infested lot in 1 production site). Monitoring activities were also initiated (inspections every 4 weeks until September 2012 and then, every 2 weeks).
The pest status of Bemisia tabaci in Finland is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Finland (2012-09).