Opogona sacchari found in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Opogona sacchari (Lepidoptera: Tineidae - EPPO A2 list) was detected in a large public glasshouse in the South East of England in July 2017. Concerns about the possible presence of the pest had been raised by the professional operator of the glasshouse. A first inspection took place in April 2017, but no sign of the pest was seen. A subsequent inspection was carried out in July 2017 when larvae had been spotted and collected by the professional operator. Larvae were sent to Fera and the identity of the pest was confirmed at the end of July (morphological methods). Infestations by O. sacchari were found in Musa acuminata and flowers of Costus spiralis. During further surveys, larvae were caught in traps but no signs of infestation were observed. All infested plants have been removed and destroyed, and chemical and biological control methods are being used in attempt to eradicate the pest. Monitoring activities (including pheromone traps) are ongoing.
The pest status of Opogona sacchari in the United Kingdom is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the United Kingdom (2017-10).