Incursion of Ceratitis capitata in Poland
Since 2017, the NPPO of Poland has been carrying out specific surveys for Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae – EPPO A2 List) using pheromone traps. Every year, pheromone traps are placed in 50 locations in 5 Southern voivodships (Dolnośląskie, Lubuskie, Opolskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie). In 2017, C. capitata was not found. In September 2018, 26 male specimens of C. capitata were caught in 1 trap placed in a peach (Prunus persica) orchard in Dolnosląskie voivodship. It is noted that within a radius of 1-1.5 km, there are 7 supermarkets, and 1 fruit wholesaler, as well as 1 municipal landfill slightly further (approximately 4 km away). Those sites are considered to be potential ‘sources’ of infestation. Considering the finding date (late in the growing season) and the adverse climatic conditions prevailing during Polish winters, the NPPO considers that this incidental finding cannot lead to the establishment of the pest. However, inspections with pheromone traps will continue in 2019.
The pest status of Ceratitis capitata in Poland is officially declared as: Absent, pest no longer present for reasons other than eradication (Ceratitis capitata is a species of tropical origin that did not develop adaptation measures to survive cold seasons).
Sources
NPPO of Poland (2019-02).