Interceptions of Bactrocera dorsalis in France
In France, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae – EPPO A1 List) has been trapped occasionally since 2019 in Ile-de-France and Southern France near airports or wholesale produce markets (EPPO RS 2018/227, 2021/194). During official surveys, 1 adult (male) of B. dorsalis was caught in a trap in a peach (Prunus persica) plot (0.45 ha) in the agglomeration of Mulhouse (Haut-Rhin department, Alsace region). This trap is located in an urban farm (3.5 ha of orchards and 8 ha of vegetable crops) which also sells fresh products, including exotic fruits. In the vicinity (<1km) possible sources of infestation are located: a distribution platform dispatching plants and plant products coming from countries where the pest is present, a jam producer and a major communication axis. No symptoms were observed, and no larvae of B. dorsalis were found. The isolated finding and location of the trap suggests that this finding is most likely due to the introduction of infested exotic fruits, and not related to an outbreak.
Mandatory preventive measures will be implemented in the place of production: all mature fruits/vegetables on the ground will be collected and put in airtight bags or incinerated. Survey activities will be reinforced in the place of production and its vicinity and visual inspections will be carried out on host plants and next to distribution sites.
The pest status of Bactrocera dorsalis in France is officially declared as: Transient, isolated finding in traps near points of entry, not linked to an outbreak.
Sources
NPPO of France (2022-07).