First report of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in Spain
During summer 2021, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae – EPPO A2 List) was reported for the first time from Spain. In July 2021, the pest was found in maize (Zea mays) fields in the area of Pla d’Urgell in Cataluña. In August 2021, it was also found in Aragón, in Bujaraloz (province of Zaragoza). As D. virgifera virgifera is no longer regulated in the EU territory, no official control measures will be applied, but growers are recommended to survey their maize crops and apply appropriate control measures (e.g. crop rotation, weed control, and if required insecticide use).
The situation of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in Spain: Present, not widely distributed and not under official control.
Sources
Anonymous (2021) La plaga de la diabrótica llega a la península. Phytoma-España no. 332, p 10.
Generalita de Catalunya. Fact sheet on Diabrotica virgifera (2021-07). http://agricultura.gencat.cat/web/.content/ag_agricultura/ag02_sanitat_vegetal/ag02_02_plagues/documents_plagues/fitxers_estatics/fitxa_073_diabrotica-virgifera.pdf
Gobierno de Aragón. Aviso Fitosanitario no. 12 (2021-08) Diabrotica en maíz (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera). https://www.aragon.es/documents/20127/77520644/Avisofitosanitario_12_2021+Diabrotica.pdf/4edad3a2-185a-7c6e-4869-f8f5e69db9ca?t=1628490678107