Eradication of Thaumatotibia leucotreta from the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, 1 larva and 3 adults of Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae – EPPO A2 list) had been found at the end of October 2013, in one greenhouse of Capsicum annuum grown for fruit production located at Honselersdijk. Eradication measures were immediately taken, including the use of pheromone traps, application of insecticides and controlled disposal of waste (e.g. used growing media, plant debris). To investigate the possible origin of this isolated finding and the possibility that the pest might have spread to other companies, a specific survey was carried out on the infested site and its surroundings (over an area of 2 x 3 km). In total, 29 companies producing host plants of T. leucotreta (in particular Capsicum and Solanum melongena fruit production, Rosa cut flower production, ornamental Solanaceae pot plants for final consumers) have been systematically monitored. No further findings of the pest were made. Therefore the NPPO of the Netherlands now considers that T. leucotreta has been successfully eradicated.
The pest status of Thaumatotibia leucotreta is officially declared as: Absent, eradicated. One record of an incursion in one fruit production greenhouse of Capsicum annuum.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2014-06).