Update on Liriomyza huidobrensis in the EC (United Kingdom)
Since the introduction of Liriomyza huidobrensis (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) into Europe in 1989, there have been over 170 outbreaks of L. huidobrensis in the UK between the first in October 1989 and December 1992. Early outbreaks were linked to imported chrysanthemum cuttings and other ornamentals, but local spread of the pest between glasshouses resulted in severe damage to many vegetable crops particularly lettuce, celery and cucumber. In their activities to eradicate the pest British authorities had the experience that L. huidobrensis is more difficult to eradicate than L. trifolii.
Widespread distribution of a number of infested imports of chrysanthemum cuttings and local spread to other nurseries particularly vegetable crops in West Sussex, resulted in a large number of outbreaks in the latter months of 1992.
Sources
Bartlett, P.W.; Cheek, S. (1993) Alien Liriomyza species, the UK experience.
Poster at the International Symposium on Plant Health and the European Single Market, Reading (UK) 1993-03/04-30/1