First report of Opogona sacchari in Cyprus
The NPPO of Cyprus recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the presence of Opogona sacchari (Lepidoptera: Tineidae – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. The insect was caught in traps in garden centres in Nicosia district in August 2019, as part of national official surveys. O. sacchari was identified at the National Reference Laboratory by sequencing of the COI (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) barcode gene. Official surveys are ongoing to demonstrate the extent of the infestation. No official phytosanitary measures were implemented but the operators applied appropriate plant protection products. It can be noted that O. sacchari had been first detected in 2011 on ornamental plants in the warehouses of two traders but had been eradicated.
The pest status of Opogona sacchari in Cyprus is officially declared as: Present, seasonally, only in some parts of the Member State concerned, at low prevalence.
Sources
NPPO of Cyprus (2019-10).
EU (2011) Summary report of the meeting of the Standing Committee on Plant Health held on 29-30 September 2011. https://ec.europa.eu/food/sites/food/files/plant/docs/sc_plant-health_20110929_sum.pdf