Bemisia tabaci found again in Finland
The NPPO of Finland recently informed the EPPO Secretariat about several outbreaks of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae - EPPO A2 List) found on its territory during official surveys carried out in 2016. A total of 757 inspections were conducted in 328 greenhouses (where 402 samples were collected) and 60 inspections were conducted in 30 points of sale (75 samples). B. tabaci was found in 94 greenhouses (215 samples) producing ornamental plants. Approximately 80 % of the outbreaks were found on Mandevilla, 24 % on Begonia and 6 % on poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) (total percentage > 100 % since some growers had infestations on both Mandevilla and Begonia). During inspections of points of sale, 3 infestations were found. Phytosanitary measures were taken to eradicate the pest and included: insecticide treatments and destruction of infested plants. As a result of these measures, 92 outbreaks were eradicated and 2 remain under eradication.
The situation of Bemisia tabaci in Finland can be described as follows: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Finland (2017-01).