Situation of Diabrotica virgifera in France in 2006
In 2006, the NPPO of France continued to conduct official surveys and implement eradication measures in areas where Diabrotica virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae – EPPO A2 List) was found in 2005 (see EPPO RS 2005/084). In 2005, D. virgifera was only caught in the region Ile-de-France (3 outbreaks) and the nearby region of Picardie (1 outbreak). Although the pest had been found in 2003 at Blotzheim, near the international airport of Basel-Mulhouse, in 2005 no captures were made in Alsace.
In 2006, more than 2300 trap sites were set up across the whole territory of France with emphasis to those regions where the pest had been found previously and in areas at risk. In both the regions (Ile-de-France and Picardie) in which the pest had been observed in 2005, no captures were made in 2006. However, in Alsace where 76 traps had been placed, one adult was caught on 2006-08-23 at Schwindratzheim, near the toll motorway of Hochfelden. Additional traps were immediately placed but no other insect could be caught. It is supposed that this single beetle had been transported by road. Eradication measures and intensive surveys will continue in 2007.
The situation of Diabrotica virgifera in France can be described as follows: Present, only 1 beetle caught in 2006 in Alsace, under eradication.
Sources
Anonymous (2006) Alsace – Diabrotica, un adulte piégé. Phytoma – La Défense des Végétaux no. 597, p 5.
Anonymous (2006) Ile-de-France, Picardie et Alsace. Diabrotica 2006, le point. Phytoma – La Défense des Végétaux no. 598, p 2.
NPPO of France, 2007-01.