First report of Dacus ciliatus in Cyprus
The NPPO of Cyprus recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Dacus ciliatus (Diptera: Tephritidae – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. This is the first record for the European Union, but in the EPPO region, the species is already present in Israel and Türkiye.
In June 2023, suspicious symptoms were observed by a private agronomist on cucumbers (Cucumis sativus). Samples were immediately collected by the NPPO and sent to the EURL laboratory (AGES for molecular analysis). The molecular analysis of larvae samples identified the insect as Dacus ciliatus. Surveys were conducted on the island and the pest was detected in several sites in Larnaca district and in one field in Ammochostos district (south coastal area of Cyprus). The crops which were found to be infested were cucumber (Cucumis sativus), zucchini (Cucurbita pepo), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and melon (Cucumis melo). The pest was also detected in the weed Ecballium elaterium. The total infested area is 6.11 ha. Surveys are continuing throughout the island and a poster has been prepared to increase awareness amongst producers.
The pest status of Dacus ciliatus in Cyprus is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Cyprus (2024-07).