Diabrotica virgifera virgifera found again in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, a new outbreak of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae – EPPO A2 List) was confirmed on 2013-09-27 during a national survey. It can be recalled that D. virgifera virgifera occurred in the United Kingdom from 2003 to 2007, but was then no longer found (see EPPO RS 2003/115 and 2010/027). Four adult beetles were found on one of two pheromone traps that had been put out in a maize field (of 10 ha) on the 16th of August 2013 and collected on 13th September 2013. This infested field is in Hertfordshire to the north of London, and had been planted with maize for the last 4 years. Official control measures were taken in accordance with the EU Decision 2003/766/EC and its successive amendments. Maize cultivation will be prohibited on this field in 2014. In addition the two other fields within 1 km of the infested field which were planted with maize in 2013 will not grow maize crops in 2014. All three fields were harvested in early October 2013.
The pest status of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in the United Kingdom is officially declared as: Present: under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the United Kingdom (2013-10).