First report of Tecia solanivora in Mexico
In November 2010, the presence of Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae – EPPO A2 list) was observed for the first time in Mexico on potato crops. The pest was found during a field survey conducted in El Porvenir (state of Chiapas), a municipality located at an altitude of 2088 m and close to the border with Guatemala (17 km). Out of 232 potato tubers examined, 32 were found to be infested with larvae and pupae of T. solanivora. In 2011, pheromone traps were placed in potato fields in the same locality for 1 month and caught on average 189.7 males/trap/night. It is suspected that T. solanivora was introduced into Mexico on seed potatoes from Guatemala.
The situation of Tecia solanivora in Mexico can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2010 in 1 municipality (El Porvenir, state of Chiapas).
Sources
Cruz Roblero NE, Castillo Vera A, Malo EA (2011) First report of Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) attacking the potato Solanum tuberosum in Mexico. Florida Entomologist 94(4), 1055-1056.