First report of Phenacoccus peruvianus in Austria
The NPPO of Austria recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first report of Phenacoccus peruvianus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on its territory. The pest was found on sweet pepper plants (Capsicum annuum) in a greenhouse located in the region of Vienna. These plants had been purchased from another EU Member State. The pest was identified morphologically in the laboratory (Institute for Sustainable Plant Production of AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety)). The regional Plant Protection Service ordered the destruction of the infested plants and disinfection of the greenhouse.
The pest status of Phenacoccus peruvianus in Austria is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Austria (2015-02).