Incursion of Bactrocera zonata and Bactrocera correcta in Italy
The NPPO of Italy reported the following findings as part of their monitoring activities for fruit flies:
- Bactrocera zonata (Diptera: Tephritidae – EPPO A2 list)
In October 2024, one adult of B. zonata was caught in a trap in a city park in Bologna (Emilia-Romagna region) as part of the monitoring activities conducted within a demarcated area for Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae – EPPO A1 list). The identity of B. zonata was confirmed by PCR in November 2024. It is not clear where the pest came from. No host plants are grown in the area. Phytosanitary measures are applied according with the eradication measures for B. dorsalis, including mass trapping, host removal, increased surveys and a campaign to raise awareness for the public.
A similar incursion occurred in Milano (Lombardia region) in 2023: 1 adult was caught in August 2023 near the Milan Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market. Further surveys in 2024 did not detect the pest.
The pest status of Bactrocera zonata in Italy is officially declared as: Transient, single adult males caught in traps, actionable, under eradication.
- Bactrocera correcta (Diptera: Tephritidae – EU A1 Quarantine pest as Bactrocera spp.)
In July 2024, one adult of B. correcta was caught in a trap in the municipality of San Gennaro Vesuviano (province of Napoli, Campania region) within a demarcated area for Bactrocera dorsalis. The identity of the pest was confirmed by molecular tests. No further specimens were trapped in the following months.
The pest status of Bactrocera correcta in Italy is officially declared as: Absent, isolated finding in a trap.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2024-08, 2024-11).