First report of Spodoptera frugiperda in Cyprus
The NPPO of Cyprus recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda on its territory. Three moths were trapped by an amateur entomologist with a light trap in January 2023 in a private garden in Pissouri Village (Limassol district). The identity of the pest was confirmed by the National reference laboratory of Cyprus as well as by the EU reference laboratories based on morphology and molecular tests.
Official surveys are planned to delimit the extend of the infestation. It is noted that in the area around the trap, there are no maize (Zea mays) crops. The other major host plants, rice (Oryza sativa) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) are not cultivated in Cyprus whilst Sorghum bicolor is cultivated only in a few areas.
The pest status of Spodoptera frugiperda in Cyprus is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Cyprus (2023-02).