First report of Diaphania perspectalis in Austria
The presence of Diaphania perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae - EPPO Alert List) in Austria which was suggested by Internet records (EPPO RS 2010/106) is confirmed by the NPPO. The pest was first found in 2009 on Buxus sp. in Vorarlberg. It was detected in a private garden in a 7 year-old hedge and in 4 other plants in a neighbouring garden (30;m away). Following this initial discovery, D. perspectalis was detected in other regions of Austria in 2010. It was observed in Steiermark in several gardens, attacking approximately 30 plants. In Niederösterreich, it was found on more than 100 plants in several private gardens, as well as in a cemetery. Finally, it was detected in 1 plant in a private garden in the region of Vienna. In all cases, several control measures have been recommended by the regional PPOs: removal and destruction of larvae and pupae, pruning of infested plants, treatments with registered plant production products.
The pest status of Diaphania perspectalis in Austria is officially declared as: Local outbreaks, under observation.
Sources
NPPO of Austria (2010-02, 2010-06 and 2010-08)