Identification of new pests likely to be introduced into Europe with the fruit trade

Global trade of plants and plant products facilitates the international movement of pests. The introduction of new pests in an area may have huge economic consequences for local plant production, and should be avoided. The European Union (EU) imports large quantities of fresh fruit from all over the world, which could be a pathway for exotic pests. This review aimed to identify pests not yet present or regulated in the EU that may enter the territory with the fruit trade and damage fruit production in Europe. Pests of Vaccinium (blueberry), apple, grape, orange and mandarin were screened to assess the likelihood of their being associated with these fruit, their impact, their geographical distribution, whether they are intercepted in trade and whether they are spreading or emerging. They were further ranked to produce alert lists of 30 to 36 pests for each fruit species. These lists are presented as well as other findings on contaminants and newly introduced pests. Datasheets on those pests were prepared and are available as supporting information to this article as well as in the EPPO Global Database ( https://gd.eppo.int/ ). This work within the EU project DROPSA aimed to raise the awareness of importers and regulatory authorities to the potential risk of introducing pests with the fruit trade.     

Identification of pests and pathogens recorded in Europe with relation to fruit imports

Within the framework of the EU project DROPSA (‘Strategies to develop effective, innovative and practical approaches to protect major European fruit crops from pests and pathogens’), a review on pests (including pathogens) that have fruit species as their host plants was conducted. The focus was on pests that have been introduced into Europe or were found in the fruit trade during the last 10–15 years. Among the 387 recorded pests, the following groups were identified: 1. fruit and vinegar flies, 2. scale insects, 3. fungi, 4. plant viruses, 5. bacteria, 6. pests of unknown risk, 7. tropical fruit pests, 8. pests that had an unexpected change of hosts, 9. fruit pests not likely to be transported on fruit and 10. ‘hitchhikers’ (non‐fruit pests intercepted on fruit/fruit plants, fruit pests intercepted on other commodities than fruit). The large number of pests identified, from different taxonomic groups and origins, shows that fruit are an important pathway for pests, threatening fruit production in Europe.     

Q‐bank,a database with information for identification of plant quarantine plant pest and diseases

This paper describes the database Q‐bank ( www.q-bank.eu ). This freely accessible database contains data on plant pathogenic quarantine organisms to allow fast and reliable identification. Development of accurate identification tools for plant pests is vital to support European Plant Health Policies. Council Directive 2000 ? 29 ?EC lists approximately 300 entries representing a large number of species (e.g. non‐European Tephritids contains approximately 3500 species) for which protective measures, against introduction and their spread within the European Community, need to be taken. The risk of introduction of pests into the European Union is increasing because of the increase in the volumes, commodity types and origins of trade, the introduction of new crops, the continued expansion of the EU, the numbers of international travellers and the impact of climate change. Identifying pests (in particular new emerging pests) requires staff with specialised skills in all disciplines (mycology, bacteriology etc.), which is only possible within large centralised laboratory facilities. Expertise in taxonomy, phytopathology and other fields in plant health, which are vital for sustaining sound public policy on phytosanitary issues, are under threat. Sharing knowledge on regulated and non‐regulated pests is necessary to manage a cost‐effective and efficient plant health system in the context of expanding globalisation of trade in plant material.     

First report of Thrips setosus in Belgium

The Japanese flower thrips, Thrips setosus, is a polyphagous insect which in Europe has mainly been observed on hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.). The first report of T. setosus in the EPPO region was in the Netherlands (2014). Since then it has been observed in four other countries inside the EPPO region: Germany (2015), the United Kingdom (2016), France (2016) and Croatia (2016). Its dispersal is most likely to be related to trade. Because of its polyphagous nature, there is a risk of spread to other economically important crops. Therefore, T. setosus was included in the national survey project ‘STATREGO’, during which the status of several invasive plant pests and diseases in Belgium was determined.     

PM 8/2(1): Coniferae

Specific scope

The purpose of the EPPO Standard on Coniferae is to recommend to EPPO Member Governments the phytosanitary measures, which they should use or require for Coniferae plants and plant products moving in international trade, to prevent the introduction and spread of regulated pests. Certain of these recommendations are addressed to all EPPO Member Governments, others are addressed only to countries considered to face a certain level of risk from the introduction and spread of the pests recommended for regulation concerned. These recommendations are derived:

• • from the EPPO Standards PM 1/2 (EPPO A1 and A2 lists)
• • from the former EPPO standard PM 2 (pest‐specific phytosanitary measures) (which was withdrawn in 2006 by the Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations)
• • from Pest Risk Analysis
• • from the Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations
• • from the ISPM n°15 ‘Guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in international trade’.

     

A quantitative model for trade pathway analysis of plant pest entry and transfer to a host in European Union territory

A quantitative pathway model, QPAFood, has been designed to support risk assessment for plant pest entry into European Union (EU) territory on a range of edible plant commodities via trade flows. The model calculates the distribution of an imported infested/infected commodity along a pathway into and within the EU from source countries, based on Eurostat data and other data/information. The model determines the implications of global trade pathways for the potential arrival of the infested commodity in the EU28 Member States. Within each Member State, the calculation proceeds by distributing the commodity according to uses, notably retail or processing, to the vulnerable area of commercial host crops determined in each NUTS2 region and then quantifies the consequent potential for pest–host contact which could lead to pest transfer. Annual and monthly estimates of contact risk are tabulated and visualized for Member States and NUTS2 regions. The model was developed originally for the European Food Safety Authority using four case studies of specific pest–commodity combinations. These pests had relatively limited host ranges and the model has now been extended in the context of the EC FP7 DROPSA project for the multiple commodity pathways associated with the highly polyphagous fruit pest Drosophila suzukii.     

A review of pest surveillance techniques for detecting quarantine pests in Europe

This paper provides reviews of the most commonly used methods to detect plant pests belonging to groups of invasive organisms with high economic relevance, including Coleoptera (bark beetles, flathead borers, leaf beetles, longhorn beetles, weevils), Diptera (cone and seed flies, fruit flies), Homoptera (aphids, leafhoppers and psyllids, whiteflies), Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), Thysanoptera (thrips), bacteria (potato brown rot Ralstonia solanacearum) and fungi (pitch canker disease Gibberella circinata, brown rot disease Monilinia fructicola). Future perspectives in detection methods are discussed, with particular reference to the considerable increase in the volume, commodity type and origins of trade in plant material from third countries, the introduction of new crops, the continuous expansion of the EU with new border countries being added, and the impact of climate change affecting the geographical boundaries of pests and their vectors.     

PM 8/3 (1): Quercus and Castanea

Specific scope

The purpose of the EPPO Standard on Quercus and Castanea is to recommend to EPPO Member Governments the phytosanitary measures which they should use or require for Quercus and Castanea plants, and plant products moving in international trade, to prevent the introduction and spread of regulated pests. Certain of these recommendations are addressed to all EPPO Member Governments, others are addressed only to countries considered to face a certain level of risk from the introduction and spread of the regulated pests concerned. All these recommendations are derived:

• ? from the EPPO Standards PM 1/2 (EPPO A1 and A2 lists)
• ? from the former EPPO standard PM 2 (pest‐specific phytosanitary measures) (which was withdrawn in 2006 by the Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations)
• ? from Pest Risk Analysis
• ? from the Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations
• ? from the ISPM n°15 ‘Guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in international trade’.

     

First record of Rhagoletis cingulata (Loew) (Dipt., Tephritidae) in Austria

The Nearctic eastern cherry fruit fly species Rhagoletis cingulata (Loew) (Dipt., Tephritidae) has been detected several times in different European countries during the last decades. This species as well as Rhagoletis indifferens (Curran) are major pests of cultivated cherries in North America and are classified as quarantine pests in Europe. The introduction and establishment of both species could result in severe problems for Austrian cherry production due to additional infestation pressure caused by overlapping developmental cycles of American and native cherry fruit flies. A survey of both non-European cherry fruit fly species was carried out during the growing seasons of 2007 and 2008 at eleven sampling sites in the eastern part of Austria. Pherocon^® AM yellow sticky traps were installed in cherry trees and replaced at weekly or fortnightly intervals. Identification of the cherry fruit flies caught was based on morphological characteristics. Two specimens of R. cingulata were caught in 2007 in different weeks and at different locations while none were caught in 2008. R. indifferens was not detected at all. While it is possible that these specimens originate from established populations with low densities, it is more likely that the catches derived from accidental introductions.     

PM 8/5 (1) Quercus

Specific scope

The purpose of the EPPO Standard on Quercus is to recommend to EPPO Member Governments the phytosanitary measures which they should use or require for Quercus plants and plant products moving in international trade to prevent the introduction and spread of quarantine pests. Some of these recommendations are addressed to all EPPO Member Governments, others are addressed only to countries considered to face a certain level of risk from the introduction and spread of the regulated pests concerned. All these recommendations were derived from:

• EPPO Standards PM 1/2 (EPPO A1 and A2 lists) and the former EPPO Standards PM 2 (pest‐specific phytosanitary measures), or
• Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) carried out or reviewed by EPPO, or
• the Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations.

For wood packaging material, recommendations are based on ISPM 15 Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade.

Specific approval and amendment

First approved in 2010‐09 as PM 8/3 Quercus and Castanea. Revised and approved as a separate Standard PM 8/5 in 2017‐09     

Biological control and plant health in the UK1

The protected crop environment has long been recognized as offering particularly good opportunities for the application of biological control and this is reflected in the predominance of integrated pest management programmes and the wide range of biological control agents available. The introduction of new pest species of quarantine concern can often occur in glasshouse crops, as a result of international trade in plant material, and can have a highly disruptive impact upon well established, integrated pest management programmes. The use of biological control agents against quarantine pests is discussed, including both the use of exotic species and those established in the UK. The relevant legislation in the UK is outlined in relation to the introduction of non-native species, including both plant protection and conservation interests. Environmental safety aspects such as the impact of such introductions on non-target species and issues of quality control to prevent the introduction of contaminants are noted as of particular plant health interest.     

The Pacific Pest List Database for agricultural trade facilitation

The Pest List Database for the Pacific is a user-friendly database that provides information on agricultural pest occurrences within a country as required to facilitate trade in terms of the International Plant Protection Convention and International Standards For Phytosanitary Measures. Its main outputs are: (a) a pest list for any specified crop intended for export and (b) a list of pest incursions detected on imported goods from any selected country. The system is designed for use by the 22 Pacific Island countries and territories that the Secretariat of the Pacific Community serves and is so far installed in five countries with a new one being delivered every 3–4 months. It is typically delivered with a few thousand known pest occurrence records of that country, and look-up lists of several thousand Pacific pests and a few hundred crops.     

European plant health requirements for forest pests1

The publication of lists of quarantine organisms by EPPO in 1975 and of the EC Council Directive on Plant Health in 1977 were major milestones in the establishment of plant health requirements in Europe. The substantial risks to European forest trees from alien pests were recognized and most European countries now prohibit the importation of trees of important forest genera into Europe from other continents. There is a need to establish and up-date lists of potentially dangerous forest pests in order that appropriate preventive measures can be introduced. However it is important to recognize that lists of potentially dangerous organisms can never be complete. In effect this is recognized by the provisions of the EC Directive but not so far in the EPPO Lists of Organisms and related Specific Quarantine Requirements. Examples of host-oriented plant health requirements, such as those associated with coniferous wood, will be discussed.     

Problems of resistance development in arthropod pests of agricultural crops in Russia

This paper presents the results of long‐term monitoring of insecticide resistance in populations of agricultural pests in Russia. Over the last 45 years, resistance developments were recorded for 36 arthropod pest species in 11 agricultural crops and pastures in relation to nearly all commonly used plant protection products. Development of group, cross and multiple resistance has been revealed in populations of many economically important pests. Toxicological and phenotypical (for Colorado potato beetle) methods have been devised to monitor the development of pesticide resistance. Based on experience over the last century, systems aimed at preventing the development of pest resistance to insecticides and acaricides are elaborated. These systems are based on resistance monitoring and using plant protection measures which minimize the toxic pressure on agroecosystems.     

基于DNA条形码技术的泰国番石榴中实蝇幼虫分子鉴定研究

实蝇是世界重要的检疫性害虫之一,对果蔬生产及其国际贸易具有很大的影响。而以线粒体DNA细胞色素C氧化酶亚单位I(mtDNACOI)基因的部分序列作为实蝇的DNA条形码能减少对实蝇成虫形态特征的依赖,可检测其任何虫态的样品,有助于实蝇样品的快速鉴定。本研究采用DNA条形码技术,针对采自泰国四色菊市番石榴烂果中的5头实蝇幼虫进行COI扩增测序,与生命条形码数据库(BOLD)中的序列进行比对并利用PAUP4.0软件构建了其系统进化树。根据序列分析和系统进化关系分析的结果,将5头实蝇幼虫样品鉴定为番石榴实蝇(Bactrocera correctaBezzi),并将本研究获得的2条COI序列在GenBank中注册,GenBank的登录号为HM590450和HM590451。     

我国落叶果树主要害虫及其防治技术60年研究进展

落叶果树是指秋末落叶的一类果树,是我国重要的农林作物之一。近年来,随着果树种植结构的调整和种植面积的扩大,虫害对果树产业的影响越来越严重,越来越多的科研工作者加入到果园害虫防治的队伍中,并在果园害虫绿色防控方面获得了一批新技术,取得了一些新成果。为持续推动果树虫害防治新理念的落实,该文统计了20世纪60年代至今落叶果树虫害防治相关研究论文的发表情况,综述了落叶果树主要害虫的演变,总结了60年来落叶果树害虫防治理念及技术的转变。展望未来,害虫智能化精准识别与种群动态监测、害虫生态调控、害虫遗传调控以及基于纳米材料的RNA杀虫剂等新技术正推动果园害虫监测防控体系的不断创新。     

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of accidental insect pest introduction into Switzerland and its implications for plant protection1

The purpose of this study is to assess the characteristics of accidental introduction of pest organisms into Switzerland by means of international plant trade, and to discuss its consequences for the development of plant protection strategies. We found substantial levels of infestation in samples of all producing countries included in the study. Since the use of synthetic pesticides is the main basis of pest control in the ornamental industry, the results of this study indicate that chemical pest control has reached a limit above which no further reduction of pest population levels is possible. The increased pesticide tolerance of many arthropod pests is mainly due to increased levels of resistance to pesticides caused by their excessive use. Therefore, alternative methods supplementing pesticide use are required to develop an optimal pest management strategy for the future. It is proposed that, in the Swiss ornamental production industry, pest monitoring should be the first step in this direction.     

Entomological Problems of Agriculture in Bangladesh

Abstract

The location and climate of Bangladesh are described, together with the crops grown and organisations related to agriculture. The entomological problems of the main crops; rice, jute, sugarcane, and fruit crops such as mango, citrus, litchi, jack fruit, guava, banana, coconut and plum are presented. Some serious pests; aphids, epilachna beetles, ants, fruit flies, termites, cutworm and mealybugs are reviewed.     

Major emerging alien plants in Austrian crop fields

Globalisation and increasing trade have led to the introduction of alien plants that are highly competitive and difficult to control in agriculture in central Europe. Our study set out to analyse the invasion process and agricultural impact of the six emerging alien plants Abutilon theophrasti, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Cyperus esculentus, Datura stramonium, Panicum schinzii and Sorghum halepense in Austria, based on a large distribution data set (694 occurrence records in crop fields). We found that all study species have increased in abundance and range, especially after the year 2000. The rate of spread was highest for A. artemisiifolia and lowest for C. esculentus. At present, records of the study species were largely associated with areas of high summer crop concentration in eastern, southern and north‐western Austria. Based on the CORINE land‐cover data set, we found that the agricultural area at risk of being invaded increased over time. At present, it ranges between 45 500 and 168 000 ha (approximately 2.4% and 8.7% of the total agricultural area) depending on the species. The invasion success of the study species is probably associated with frequent human‐mediated dispersal, specific crop‐dominated rotations and herbicide use. Our results suggest that the study species will successfully spread further. We conclude that these emerging alien species will cause substantial impacts on crops in Austria and probably in other countries of central Europe.     

Outcomes of the EPPO project on quarantine pests for forestry1

The EPPO Project on Quarantine Pests for Forestry ran from 2000 to 2005. It mainly focused on the risks from forests pests present in the former USSR, particularly in its Asian part, with regard to their possible impacts on the non‐Asian parts of the EPPO region. A special EPPO Panel, called the Panel on Quarantine Pests for Forestry, was created to implement this project. The EPPO Secretariat collected short information on the taxonomy, geographical distribution, host plants, biology and impact of 1365 pests and on the taxonomy and geographical distribution of 653 main forest trees on the territory of the former USSR. In the process of prioritization, which took place over 10 meetings in various countries in the EPPO region, the Panel selected species that were more likely to present high risk for the non‐Asian part of the EPPO region. For these species, more detailed data were collected and datasheets were prepared. The Panel performed Pest Risk Analysis for 45 species of pests and recommended 19 of them for inclusion into the EPPO lists of pests recommended for regulation. Possible phytosanitary measures have been selected in the process of Pest Risk Management to reduce the risk of introduction of these 19 pests into endangered areas. The Panel has begun preparing Commodity standards for wood and woody plants.