Pest survey card on Rhagoletis pomonella

Abstract

This pest survey card was prepared in the context of the EFSA mandate on plant pest surveillance (M-2017-0137) at the request of the European Commission. Its purpose is to guide the Member States in preparing data and information for Rhagoletispomonellasurveys. These are required to design statistically sound and risk-based pest surveys, in line with current international standards.Rhagoletis pomonella is part of a species complex of closely related and morphologically similar sibling species that have distinct host plant affiliations.It is most clearly defined by its capacity to infest apples. Import of plants for planting of the major host plants is currently prohibited, while applesare subject to special import requirementsthat aim to prevent the entry of R. pomonella.Nevertheless,the most likely introduction of R. pomonella would be via transport of infested fruit, followed by gradual natural spread. Rhagoletis pomonella is currently absent from the EU and surveys would thus be aimed at substantiating pest freedom. Adult trapping is the preferred survey methodfor detectingR. pomonella. The best timing for trapping is limited to the presence of adults, which generally overlaps with the period in which the host fruit are available.Since the pupae undergo a long dormancy period, adults usually emerge several months following pupation. The primary host for detection surveys in the EU would be cultivated apples, whereas Crataegus species should be includedfor delimiting surveys. Rhagoletis pomonella is expected to be able to become established in most or all areas ofthe EU where apple and hawthorn species grow. Identification of R. pomonella at the species level requires morphological examination of the adults. Identification is most accurate when adultsare obtained from flies reared in apples.