Update on the situation of Tecia solanivora in Spain
In Spain, the Guatemalan potato moth Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae – EPPO A2 List) was first found in Islas Canarias in 1999 (EPPO RS 2001/129). 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 has been implemented and includes the prohibition of growing potatoes in the demarcated areas. The pest was successfully eradicated from Asturias in 2023 (RS 2023/134).
In Galicia, several municipalities of A Coruña province 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. There are no longer demarcated areas in the province of Lugo. As of January 2026, the infested zone includes 4 parishes belonging to 3 municipalities in the province of A Coruña (Abegondo, Carral, Fene). 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 (2026-01).
A map of the demarcated areas is available in Resolución do 15 de xaneiro de 2026, da Dirección Xeral de Gandaría, Agricultura e Industrias Agroalimentarias, pola que se actualizan as zonas demarcadas pola presenza da praga de corentena da Tecia solanivora Povolny, ou couza guatemalteca da pataca, na Comunidade Autónoma de Galicia. DOG 18, 7876 https://www.xunta.gal/dog/Publicados/2026/20260128/AnuncioG0426-190126-0003_gl.html