New outbreaks of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in France
During 2013, the presence of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae – EPPO A2 List) was reported in the following new areas. In all cases, no damage was observed in infested maize fields, and official control measures were taken in accordance with the EU Decision 2003/766/EC and its successive amendments to contain the pest.
Department of Côte d’Or (Bourgogne region)
In July 2013, 8 adult beetles were caught in a pheromone trap. This trap had been placed in a 13.3 ha maize field, close to a main road leading to Dijon. A focus zone (1 km radius) and a buffer zone (5 km radius) have been delimited around the positive trapping site (total surface of 258 ha, including 34 maize fields). The trapping programme has been intensified with the addition of 19 new traps within a radius of 6 km around the initial trapping site, and an insecticide treatment against adult beetles has been applied.
Departments of Allier and Haute-Loire (Auvergne region)
In August 2013, 7 adult beetles were caught in a pheromone trap in the commune of Trévol (Allier department). This trap had been placed in a maize field (monoculture of 174 ha), close to a main road (RN7) between the cities of Moulin and Nevers. The trapping programme has been intensified with the addition of 18 new traps within a radius of 6 km around the initial trapping site. The demarcated area is a sandy valley which includes several large maize fields (100 to 200 ha), and numerous fields of irrigated and monoculture maize crops
In August 2013, 3 adult beetles were caught in a pheromone trap in the commune of Bas-en-Basset (Haute-Loire department). This trap had been placed in a field of 0.9 ha, where maize was produced for silage and rotated with other crops. This field was located near a main road between the cities of Saint-Etienne and Puy-en-Velay. The trapping programme has been intensified with the addition of 11 new traps within a radius of 6 km around the initial trapping site. The demarcated area is located in the Loire valley where industrial activities are based and a significant amount of road transport occurs. In this area, maize is generally a minor crop, cultivated for silage in small and non-irrigated fields, and rotated with other crops.
Department of Jura (Franche Comté region)
In August 2013, 2 adult beetles were caught in a pheromone trap in the commune of Lavangeot (Jura department). This trap had been placed in a maize field cultivated as a monoculture for the last 12 years. This field was located near main roads (A36 motorway and D673). The trapping programme has been intensified with the addition of 15 new traps within a radius of 6 km around the initial trapping site.
The pest status of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in France is officially declared as: Present, restricted distribution.
Sources
NPPO of France (2013-08, 2013-09).