First report of Spodoptera frugiperda in Mayotte
The NPPO of France recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae – EPPO A1 List) in Mayotte. The pest was discovered in August 2018 during specific surveys. Larvae were found in 3 maize fields (Zea mays) in 2 different sites. It is noted that in one field, 90% of the area was infested by S. frugiperda and on some maize plants up to 7 larvae per plant were observed. The identity of the pest was confirmed on the basis of its morphological characteristics by the French national reference laboratory (ANSES). Additional surveys will be carried out in Mayotte to better determine the extent of the infestation and official control measures are being elaborated.
The pest status of Spodoptera frugiperda in Mayotte is officially declared as: Present, only in some areas.
Sources
NPPO of France (2018-10).