F. Grousset & I.M. Smith
EPPO, 1 rue Le Notre, F - 75015 Paris

Diabrotica virgifera was introduced into the EPPO region in 1992 and has been spreading since. EPPO evaluated the potential risk to other countries in the region where the pest had not established and decided, in 1994, that D. virgifera should be added to the EPPO A2 quarantine list. It recommended that countries should take specific measures to prevent introduction to their territories. Other EPPO activities concerning this pest were also initiated and are continuing.

The risk arising from the introduction of D. virgifera was studied using EPPO Pest Risk Assessment Scheme, which considered its potential for establishment and damage. The Specific Quarantine Requirements recommended by EPPO to its member countries to try to limit its spread in the region are detailed.

More recently, EPPO countries decided that a specific guideline for the efficacy evaluation of insecticides should be developed in order to facilitate the collection of data necessary for registration of products against D. virgifera. This guideline describes how field trials should be conducted in a harmonized way throughout the region. It gives details on experimental conditions, application of treatments, recording and measurements and reporting of results.

Finally, EPPO has attempted to keep its member countries informed about new developments relating to D. virgifera, through its participation in the IWGO group and through reporting in various EPPO documentation services, which are presented. EPPO will continue to gather and disseminate such information.