Survey on Bactrocera spp. (Tephritidae, Diptera) in Austria

Abstract

Fruit fly species (Diptera: Tephritidae) of the genus Bactrocera are among the most serious orchard pests worldwide but are not native to Austria. The unexpected finding of one Bactrocera zonata adult in Vienna in 2011 initiated increasing survey efforts in Austria since 2012. Traps with male attracting lures were employed at several sites during the fruiting periods and catches were analysed. At sites in Vienna (urban area) Bactrocera specimens were trapped between 2012 and 2018, whereas no Bactrocera specimens were caught in agricultural areas or commercial orchards outside the city. Twelve specimens were identified as B. zonata and nine specimens as B. dorsalis sensu lato, though for the latter it was not possible to distinguish between B. dorsalis s.l. and B. carambolae using molecular analysis (ITS1). Molecular sequencing showed that the specimens caught were genetically different (with only a few exceptions), indicating genetically different origins. It is evident that the repeated findings of Bactrocera specimens in Vienna, where winter temperatures do not allow the establishment of tropical fruit flies, are linked to repeated entries of juveniles with infested fruits (in luggage or consignments). The results of our study reveal the need to strengthen phytosanitary import requirements for fruit commodities and travellers' luggage in order to protect fruit production in Austria and probably in other countries.

Determination of temperature thresholds for the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), using life cycle simulation modeling: Implications for effective field releases in classical biological control of fruit flies

“…In the absence of management measures, losses due to the direct feeding of the larvae on fruits and vegetables can be as high as 80%. Due to its invasiveness, the pest has been reported in Europe [18] and frequently captured in the USA [19] but without establishment.…”

Scientific opinion on the import of Musa fruits as a pathway for the entry of non‐EU Tephritidae into the EU territory

“…During the last decade, adults of the non‐EU Tephritidae B. dorsalis have been detected in traps set in different EU MS (Austria, France, Italy) at locations close to international markets and/or airports (EUROPHYT/TRACES accessed 27/11/2020; EPPO Global Database). These findings have been related to separate entries of larvae in infested fruit rather than to established populations of this fruit fly (Nugnes et al., 2018; Egartner et al., 2019; EPPO Global Database).…”

“…Fruit in passengers’ luggage was seen as a possible route of entry for the B. dorsalis specimens detected in Italy (Nugnes et al., 2018) and for Bactrocera spp. in Austria (Egartner et al., 2019).…”

“…Fruit in passengers' luggage was seen as a possible route of entry for the B. dorsalis specimens detected in Italy (Nugnes et al, 2018) and for Bactrocera spp. in Austria (Egartner et al, 2019). 5) which can infest ripe Musa fruit occur, especially from those with large banana and/or plantain production (Appendices D-F).…”

Pest survey card on Bactrocera zonata

“…In Europe, a few individuals of the fly have been trapped almost every year for approximately the last 10 years in urban areas in Austria in methyl-eugenol-baited traps, but these are considered to stem from transient and not established populations that have been introduced with infested fruits (Egartner et al, 2019;EPPO, 2020). Molecular analysis of 13 B. zonata specimens from the Austrian detection revealed eight genetically different origins (Egartner et al, 2019). In addition, winter temperatures in Austria are highly unfavourable for B. zonata overwintering survival.…”