New data on quarantine pests and pests of the EPPO Alert List
By searching through the literature, the EPPO Secretariat has extracted the following new data concerning quarantine pests and pests included (or formerly included) on the EPPO Alert List, and indicated in bold the situation of the pest concerned using the terms of ISPM 8.
- New records
Arboridia kakogawana (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae, formerly EPPO Alert List) is first reported from Italy. In May 2024, adults were detected on yellow sticky traps in three vineyards (Vitis vinifera) in Grugliasco, Chieri and Montalto Dora (Torino province, Piemonte region). Only minor damage on leaves was observed. Present, not widely distributed.
Bactrocera facialis (Diptera: Tephritidae – EU quarantine pest as Bactrocera spp.) is first reported from Fiji. The pest was detected in the Yasawa Islands in October 2025. Based on current surveillance it is considered absent on the mainland Viti Levu. Official measures are applied and include restrictions on host movements, delimiting surveys, and suppression (IPPC, 2025).
The pest status of Bactrocera facialis in Fiji is officially declared as: Present: not widely distributed and under official control.
Eutetranychus africanus (Acari: Tetranychidae) was first recorded in the Americas in Brazil (Alagoas State) in October 2022. It was recorded causing significant leaf damage on carambola (Averrhoa carambola) trees (Veloso da Silva et al., 2024).
Orientus ishidae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is first recorded from Türkiye. It was detected in 2024 on walnut (Juglans regia) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) in the Sarıyer district of İstanbul (Bacak & Beşkardeş, 2025).
The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii (EPPO A2 List) is reported for the first time in Argentina. In 2025 tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants in a commercial crop showing stunting, wilting, leaf chlorosis and root gall formation were reported in La Plata, Buenos Aires Province. The identity of the pest was confirmed by morphological and molecular analysis (Rusconi et al., 2025). Present, restricted distribution.
Thrips parvispinus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – formerly EPPO Alert List) is first reported in Croatia. During official surveys conducted in 2023, adult specimens of T. parvispinus were detected on Gardenia jasminoides, Dieffenbachia sp. and Syngonium podophyllum in two greenhouses in Istria county. The authors believe T. parvispinus was imported on ornamental plants from the Netherlands and has the potential to establish in Croatia. However, it was not recorded in official surveys in 2024 (Šimala et al., 2025). Absent, intercepted only.
The Asian hornet Vespa velutina (Hymenoptera: Vespidae – EU IAS of concern) is first recorded from New Zealand. Queen hornets and nests were found in the Glenfield and Birkdale areas on Auckland’s North Shore in October and November 2025. Surveillance and eradication measures are implemented (Biosecurity New Zealand, 2025). Present: not widely distributed and under official control
Watermelon crinkle leaf-associated virus 1 (Coguvirus citrulli, WCLaV-1 – EPPO Alert List) is first reported in Türkiye. In July 2024, leaf curling and chlorosis was observed on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) plants in commercial fields in Ergani district (Diyarbakir Province, Southeastern Anatolia region). The identity of the pest was confirmed by molecular testing (Kızmaz & Önder S, 2025). Present, restricted distribution.
Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans (EPPO A2 List) is reported for the first time in Argentina. In January 2020, X. euvesicatoria pv. perforans and X. vesicatoria (EPPO A2 List) were identified as the causative agents of bacterial spot on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants from a commercial field in Buenos Aires Province. The identity of the pests was confirmed by molecular testing (Felipe et al., 2025). Present, restricted distribution.
Xanthomonas fragariae (EPPO A2 List) is reported for the first time in Peru. During official surveys in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) growing regions, X. fragariae was detected in Apurímac and Huánuco departments in October 2025. Official phytosanitary measures have been applied across Peru with the aim of containment (SENASA, 2025). Present: not widely distributed and under official control.
- Detailed records
In the USA, Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae – EPPO A2 List) has been found for the first time in Mississippi. Its presence was confirmed in Issaquena County in November 2025 (MFC, 2025).
In Japan, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae - EPPO A1 List) is spreading on Honshu Island. In 2018-2023, the pest was reported in additional eight prefectures (Osaka, Okayama, Hyogo, Aichi, Nara, Gifu, Shiga, and Toyama) (Kamiyama et al., 2025).
During a survey conducted from 2020 to 2021 to detect the presence of phytoplasmas in pome fruit orchards in north-west Iran, ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’ (EU RNQP) was reported on symptomatic apple (Malus domestica) trees showing yellowing, reddening, small leaves, witches’ broom and death in East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan provinces. ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ (EPPO A2 List) and ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ (EU RNQP) were reported on symptomatic pear (Pyrus communis) trees showing leaf curling, reddening and small leaves in West Azerbaijan province. ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’ was reported on symptomatic quince (Cydonia oblonga) showing yellowing, reddening, small leaves, witches’ broom and death in West Azerbaijan. The identity of the pathogens were confirmed by molecular testing (Asadollah Bina et al., 2025). This is the first report of quince as a host of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii’ and apple as a host of ‘Ca. P. prunorum’. The EPPO Secretariat had no previous record of ‘Ca. P. asteris’ in Iran.
In Brazil, Ralstonia solanacearum (EPPO A2 List) is known to occur in the state of Acre on solanaceous hosts. An outbreak of R. solanacearum causing Moko disease on banana (Musa sp.) was reported in September 2025. Eradication measures are implemented (Agência de Notícias do Acre, 2025).
In the USA, Trichoferus campestris (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A2 List) is first reported from Virginia (Manderino & Czekaj, 2025).
In China, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. euvesicatoria (EPPO A2 List) was known to occur in Heilongjiang and Liaoning provinces. In July 2022, it was reported to cause leaf spot disease on ground cherry (Physalis pubescens) for the first time in Neimenggu province (Qiao et al., 2025). The identity of the pathogen was confirmed by molecular testing.
- Eradication
The Government of South Australia declared in October 2025 that the state was free from tomato brown rugose fruit virus (Tobamovirus fructirugosum, ToBRFV – EPPO A2 List). Official surveys did not detect the virus since March 2025 (Government of South Australia, 2025).
- New host plants
During surveys between 2023 and 2024 to detect cowpea mild mottle virus (Carlavirus vignae, CPMMV - EU A1 Quarantine pest) following a reported increase in Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae - EPPO A2 List) infestations in São Paulo State, Brazil, CPMMV was detected on soybean (Glycine max) and Macroptilium sp. plants showing foliar mottling and deformation and on asymptomatic Euphorbia heterophylla plants. The identity of the pest was confirmed by molecular testing. This is the first report of CPMMV on E. heterophylla (Euphorbiaceae; EPPO List of Invasive Alien Plants).
During a study on insects associated with pin oak (Quercus palustris) in the Republic of Korea, the following pests were recorded for which EPPO had no previous record for this plant: Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Erebidae - formerly EPPO A2 List, EAEU A2 List), Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), Lymantria mathura (Lepidoptera: Erebidae, EPPO A2 List), Monema flavescens (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae, EPPO Alert List). Neocerambyx raddei (EPPO A1 List) is confirmed as a severe pest of Quercus palustris in the Republic of Korea (Lee et al., 2025).
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (Tobamovirus fructirugosum, ToBRFV – EPPO A2 List) was detected for the first time in chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum) plants showing leaf deformation and interveinal discolouration in June 2025 in greenhouses in Sicily (Italy). Koch’s postulates were fulfilled, and the identity of the pathogen was confirmed by molecular testing (Barone et al., 2025)
Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (Begomovirus solanumdelhiense, ToLCNDV – EPPO A2 List) was detected for the first time on mango (Mangifera indica) trees across five orchards in Karnataka state (India) in 2023-2024.ToLCNDV was reported to cause mosaic patterns and chlorotic patches on leaves. The identity of the pathogen was determined by molecular testing (Reddy et al., 2025).
Sources
Agência de Notícias do Acre (2025-09-22) Comunicado sobre identificação de praga em plantação de banana. https://agencia.ac.gov.br/comunicado-sobre-identificacao-de-praga-em-plantacao-de-banana/
Asadollah Bina M, Rastgou M, Allahverdipour T, Noris E, Matić S (2025) Detection and molecular characterization of Phytoplasmas associated with pome fruits in northwest Iran. Applied Fruit Science. 67(6), 453.
Bacak E & Beşkardeş V (2025) A new potential invasive insect species, Orientus ishidae (Matsumura, 1902) (Hemiptera Cicadellidae), in Türkiye. Turkish Journal of Bioscience and Collections 9(2), 76-81. https://doi.org/10.26650/
Barone MM, Ragona A, Agrò G, Yahyaoui E, Caruso AG, Panno S, Matic S, Davino S (2025) First report of tomato brown rugose fruit virus naturally infecting Chrysanthemum indicum in Sicily, Italy. New Disease Reports. 52(2), e70079. https://doi.org/10.1002/ndr2.70079
Biosecurity New Zealand (2025-11-18) Yellow-legged hornet sightings in Auckland in 2025. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/exotic-pests-and-diseases-in-new-zealand/active-biosecurity-responses-to-pests-and-diseases/yellow-legged-hornet-sightings-in-auckland-in-2025
De Luigi A, Poggi F, Alma A (2025) First record from Italy of the Japanese grape leafhopper Arboridia kakogawana. Bulletin of Insectology 78, 21-25. https://doi.org/10.3897/bull.insectology.149344
Felipe V, Montecchia MS, von Baczko OH, Romero AM (2025) Emergence of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans as the causal agent of bacterial spot of tomato in Argentina. Journal of Phytopathology. 173(6), e70188.
Government of South Australia (2025-10-03) South Australia now tomato virus free. https://www.premier.sa.gov.au/media-releases/news-items/south-australia-now-tomato-virus-free
IPPC website. Official Pest Reports- Fiji (2025-11-14): First detection of Bactrocera facialis in Fiji – Yasawa Islands (October 2025). https://www.ippc.int/fr/countries/fiji/pestreports/2025/11/first-detection-of-bactrocera-facialis-in-fiji-yasawa-islands-october-2025/
Kamiyama MT, Takahashi M, Broadley HJ, Gómez‐Marco F, Hoddle MS, Matsuura K (2025) Evaluating the origin and spread of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Japan. Population Ecology 67(2), 162-179. https://doi.org/10.1002/1438-390X.12203
Kızmaz MZ, Önder S (2025) First report of watermelon crinkle leaf-associated virus 1 (Coguvirus citrulli) infecting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Türkiye. Journal of Plant Pathology.
Lee CY, Kim T, Lee B, Ahn S, Park Y, Kim J, Jung JK (2025) Distributional characteristics of insect communities in introduced pin oak trees with different environments of Korea, with special notes on major insect pests. Entomological Research 55(2), e70027. https://doi.org/10.1111/1748-5967.70027
Manderino R, Czekaj G (2025) Detection of Velvet Longhorned Beetle, Trichofebrus campestris (Faldermann) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), in rural northern Virginia. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 127 (1), 128-132.
MFC (Mississippi Forestry Commission) (2025-11-14) MFC confirms first detection of Emerald Ash Borer in Mississippi. https://www.mfc.ms.gov/2025/11/mfc-confirms-first-detection-of-emerald-ash-borer-in-mississippi/
Qiao P, Zhao M, Cai L, Liu B, Yang L, Guan W, Yang Y, Zhao W, Zhao T (2025) First report of bacterial leaf spot on Physalis pubescens L. caused by Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. euvesicatoria in Inner Mongolia, China. Plant Disease (early view)
Reddy CL, Venkataravanappa V, Madhu GS, Ashwathappa KV, Muralidhara BM, Reddy MK (2025) First record of tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus causing mosaic disease of Mango in India. Indian Phytopathology. 8, 1-5.
Rodrigues Silveira BR, Moreira AC, Aguilar Sanchez G, Ribeiro-Junior MR, Krause-Sakate R (2025) First report of cowpea mild mottle virus naturally infecting Euphorbia heterophylla in Brazil and worldwide. Plant Disease (early view) https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-09-25-1877-PDN
Rusconi JM, Nico A, Ibañez-Shimabukuro M, Moncada M, Rosales MM, Achinelly MF (2025) First report of Meloidogyne enterolobii (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae) infecting Solanum lycopersicum in Argentina: a threat to tomato production. Nematology 27(9), 1081-1083.
Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria de Perú (SENASA) (2025). Resolución Directoral N° D000037-2025-MIDAGRI-SENASA-DSV: Declaran la plaga Xanthomonas fragariae bajo control oficial y establecen medidas fitosanitarias aplicar para su control y contención a nivel nacional. https://www.gob.pe/institucion/senasa/normas-legales/7353117-n-d000037-2025-midagri-senasa-dsv
Šimala M, Pintar M, Kadoić Balaško M (2025) The first records of two Asian Invasive pest thrips species in Croatia. Entomologia Croatica. 24(1), 27-39. https://doi.org/10.17971/ec.24.1.4
Veloso da Silva G, Santos Silva E, Auger P, Navia D (2024) First report of Eutetranychus africanus (Tetranychidae) in the Americas. 10 European Association of Acarologists Symposium (10. EURAAC Symposium) - Acarology: Impacts & Solutions for humans, agriculture & environment, Sep 2024, Athen, Greece. , pp.25 (abst.) https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05222951v1