First report of Epitrix cucumeris in Spain
During official surveys on Epitrix spp. conducted in Spain, adults of Epitrix species were found in 2017-06-21. These specimens were collected from Solanum nigrum plants growing in the borders of a potato (Solanum tuberosum) field in the municipality of Jerez de la Frontera (province of Cádiz, Andalucía). The Plant Health Laboratory of Sevilla initially identified the specimens as Epitrix cucumeris (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae - EPPO A2 List) and these results were then confirmed on a sample of 3 adults by the National Reference Laboratory on Arthropods. In 2017-06-23, all potato tubers of the nearby field were mechanically destroyed, remaining plant parts were buried, and field borders were treated with an insecticide.
The pest status of Epitrix cucumeris in Spain is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Spain (2017-07).