Pest risk analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Metcalfa pruinosa</Emphasis> in Austria

The North American planthopper Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) (Hemiptera: Flatidae) was accidentally introduced into Europe, and subsequently caused economic damage to orchards and vineyards in some South-European countries. In 2003, a mass occurrence of M. pruinosa was discovered in Vienna, followed by new infestations of several sites. A Pest Risk Analysis was conducted, according to the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization decision support scheme for quarantine pests, to evaluate the risk to Austrian agriculture by M. pruinosa. The highest risk of further introduction into Austria arises from trade of deciduous plants infested with M. pruinosa eggs from Italy and France where this pest is common and which are important trading partners of Austria. Entry by vehicle traffic is considered moderately likely. Active spread by flight of adult M. pruinosa is considered significant only for local dispersal. The CLIMEX^® program was applied to predict M. pruinosa’s potential geographical distribution and to identify areas at risk. In Austria, southern Burgenland and south-east Styria as well as parts of Vienna, Lower and Upper Austria provide the most suitable climate for M. pruinosa’s development. Organic production areas in theses regions are especially at risk of being damaged. To prevent economic impact and for long-term control of M. pruinosa, biological control with its natural enemy Neodryinus typhlocybae (Ashmead 1893) (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae) is recommended.