Situation of Rhagoletis completa in Austria in 2008
In Austria, Rhagoletis completa (Diptera: Tephritidae – EU Annexes) was first reported in Tyrol (EPPO RS 2008/155) in 2008. Because publicity was made following this first record, numerous samples of walnut (Juglans sp.) with suspicious symptoms were sent by private owners (gardeners) to the NPPO laboratory. R. completa was detected in 8 samples of walnut coming from other Austrian regions: Vienna, Steiermark (Styria) and Kärnten (Carinthia). The owners of the infested trees were ordered to destroy all fruits/nuts still remaining in their gardens. Monitoring of R. completa will be intensified in all regions concerned.
The pest status of Rhagoletis completa in Austria is officially declared as: Local outbreaks, under observation.
Sources
NPPO of Austria, 2009-01.