First report of Viteus vitifoliae in the Netherlands
In July 2017, Viteus vitifoliae (Hemiptera: Phylloxeridae – EPPO A2 List) was detected for the first time in the Netherlands on Vitis plants for planting in the municipality of Kapelle (province of Zeeland). The pest was found during tracing-back investigations in response to a notification of non-compliance received from the United Kingdom. Initially, these Vitis plants were part of a lot which had been imported into the Netherlands from another EU Member State 3 years before. At the Dutch production site, part of the lot had already been sold but 2500 plants were still present. The majority of the Vitis plants inspected showed root galls, but no symptoms or specimens were observed on the leaves. The plants had been continuously growing in containers which stood on a tray protected by an ‘anti-root’ membrane. This membrane was checked and found to be intact, and no penetration of roots into the soil was observed. As only wingless specimens were found, natural dispersal of the pest into the surroundings is not expected. No other lots of Vitis spp. were present at the company. Official phytosanitary measures have been taken to eradicate V. vitifoliae. All plants of the lot (2500 plants) will be destroyed, and re-use of the land for planting or placing Vitis plants in containers will only be permitted 14 days after removal of the infested plants. Tracing forward studies are on-going to identify other growers and retailers who might have received Vitis plants belonging to the infested lot and all identified plants will be destroyed.
The pest status of Viteus vitifoliae in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2017-11).