Incursion of Platynota rostrana in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first report of Platynota rostrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on its territory. In 2015-06-10, during a post-import inspection, a single 3rd instar larva of P. rostrana was found on Dracaena marginata bicolor grown in one compartment of a glasshouse located in the municipality of Lansingerland. This compartment of 4 500 m² contained in total 23 105 Dracaena marginata, 5 875 Dracaena marginata bicolor and 300 Areca ornamental plants for planting. During a follow-up survey carried out two days later, 2 other larvae, 1 empty pupal case and 1 pupa were found. The identity of the pest was confirmed in 2015-06-10 on the basis of morphological characteristics and DNA analysis. The origin of this introduction is unknown but it is suspected to be linked with imports of plants for planting from Costa Rica. The NPPO recalled that interceptions of P. rostrana had previously been made in the Netherlands. In 2013-11-04, 1 larva was found on Schefflera plants imported from Costa Rica. In 2015-06-15, P. rostrana was intercepted on 2 imported consignments of Dracaena marginata plants for planting from Costa Rica.
Phytosanitary measures were immediately taken to eradicate the pest. Chemical treatments were performed. A light trap and five pheromone traps were placed to verify whether any adults were still present. All plants for planting suspected to be infested in the glasshouse compartment were visually inspected. Plants were only released to final consumers. The empty compartment will be disinfected before any new plants can be grown in it. As no new specimens were detected, the NPPO of the Netherlands considered that P. rostrana has been eradicated.
The pest status of Platynota rostrana in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Absent, pest found present but eradicated.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2015-06).
NVWA website.
Pest Reporting. Insects.
QuickScan