First report of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Portugal
The NPPO of Portugal has recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first detection of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae – EPPO A2 List) in the country. The pest was found in August 2007 in the Algarve region (Southern Portugal) infesting Phoenix canariensis. Surveys then showed that the pest occurred at 3 other locations in the Algarve and 1 location in the central region. Phytosanitary measures are currently being taken to eradicate the pest.
The situation of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Portugal can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2007 (4 locations in Algarve and 1 in central region), under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Portugal, 2008-02.