First report of a Pochazia species in Czechia
The first suspected presence of Pochazia sp. is reported from Czechia. In August 2025, an entomologist informed the NPPO about photos posted on Facebook showing an adult specimen on the underside of a leaf of a Magnolia acuminata tree. An official survey was conducted, and no specimens or signs of the pest were detected in the private garden where the Magnolia tree was located, nor in the garden centre where the tree had been bought in May 2025. Tracing back showed that the tree originated from another EU Member State where the pest is known to occur. However, the source of infestation could not be further ascertained.
It is considered that the species present is either P. shantungensis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae – EPPO Alert List) or P. chinensis. Following the recommendations of the EPPO PRA Report it was decided that no eradication measures will be applied but surveillance will continue in 2026.
Sources
NPPO of Czechia (2025-11).
EPPO (2025) Report of a pest risk analysis for Pochazia shantungensis and Pochazia chinensis. EPPO, Paris. Available at https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/POCZSH