Update on the situation of Tecia solanivora in Spain
In Spain, the potato moth Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae – EPPO A2 List) was first found in Islas Canarias (EPPO RS 2001/129) in 1999. In 2015, it was observed in mainland Spain in Galicia (EPPO RS 2015/202) and later in Asturias (EPPO RS 2017/080). An eradication programme is implemented and includes the prohibition of growing potatoes in the demarcated areas. Regular official surveys are conducted. The NPPO of Spain recently provided an update on the situation of T. solanivora in Galicia.
Since the last update (RS 2020/117), one new infested zone was demarcated after 6 specimens were detected in one trap in the municipality of Moeche (A Coruña province). Several municipalities of A Coruña and Lugo provinces are no longer considered to be infested zones and have become buffer zones, since T. solanivora has not been detected in them for 2 consecutive years. The infested zone now includes 5 parishes belonging to 4 municipalities in the province of A Coruña (Artiexo, Cariño, A Laracha and Moeche) and 2 parishes in 2 municipalities (Burela and Trabada) in the province of Lugo. The eradication programme continues in the remaining infested areas.
The pest status of Tecia solanivora in Spain is officially declared as: Present, under eradication, only in some parts of the Member State concerned.
Sources
NPPO of Spain (2023-01).
A map of the demarcated areas is available in Resolución do 28 de decembro de 2022, da Dirección Xeral de Gandaría, Agricultura e Industrias Agroalimentarias, pola que se prorrogan todas as medidas fitosanitarias establecidas na Resolución do 8 de marzo de 2017 pola que se establecen as zonas infestadas e as zonas tampón e se implementan as medidas para a erradicación e control con respecto ao organismo de corentena Tecia solanivora Povolny, ou couza guatemalteca da pataca, na Comunidade Autónoma de Galicia. DOG 5, 2495. https://www.xunta.gal/dog/Publicados/2023/20230109/AnuncioG0426-291222-0003_es.html