First report of Bactrocera dorsalis in Italy
The NPPO of Italy recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first captures of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae – EPPO A1 List) on its territory. During an official survey conducted in 2018 in Campania region, 10 traps (baited with methyl-eugenol) were placed in 10 locations, corresponding to 2 fields with mixed fruit trees in each of the provinces of Salerno and Napoli. These trapping sites had been chosen because of their proximity to various cultivated species (e.g. Capsicum, Citrus, Diospyros kaki, Malus, Solanum lycopersicum, S. melongena, Prunus, Pyrus, Vitis) to ensure the presence of ripe fruits during the whole monitoring period. Caught specimens were collected and identified using morphological identification keys and molecular tests. Using several morphological keys, specimens were tentatively identified as B. dorsalis, but molecular studies identified 2 clades. Obtained sequences were deposited in GenBank. For the moment, the possible pathway of introduction of B. dorsalis in Campania is unknown. Official phytosanitary measures have been taken.
The pest status of Bactrocera dorsalis in Italy is officially declared as: Present, some adult specimens caught in traps, in specific parts of the Member State, where host crop(s) are grown.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2018-11).