Diaphania perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Why: Diaphania perspectalis (synonym Glyphodes perspectalis) is a pest of Buxus originating from Asia which was reported for the first time in 2007 in Europe, in Germany. Although data is lacking on the biology, geographical distribution and economic impact, D. perspectalis is apparently able to cause severe defoliation to Buxus plants.
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Where:
EPPO region: Germany (Baden-Württemberg). D. perspectalis was found in May 2007 in the city of Weil am Rhein and its surroundings. Eradication measures are being implemented in Germany.
Asia: Japan, China, Korea Republic.
On which plants: Buxus species (e.g. B. microphylla, B. microphylla var. insularis, B. sempervirens, B. sinica).
Damage: Larvae feed on leaves and shoots and severe infestations can lead to almost complete defoliation of the plants. Data is lacking on the biology of the pest but in China (Shanghai), 3 to 4 generations per year have been observed with 6 to 7 larval instars. Larvae pupate on the leaves. More pictures can be viewed on the Internet: |
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Dissemination: Adults can fly but no data is available on the natural dispersal of this insect. Trade of infested Buxus plants or parts of plants can disseminate the pest over long distances. In Germany, it was observed that D. perspectalis was found in the vicinity of a shipping centre for commodities imported from China, so it might be possible that the pest could also be transported as a hitchhiker on various commodities.
Pathway: Plants for planting of Buxus.
Possible risks: Buxus are commonly planted in European gardens (parterres, hedges, topiary work) and are also growing in forests as understorey shrubs. Severe attacks of D. perspectalis can lead to defoliation and therefore completely disfigure Buxus plants which in many cases are grown for ornamental purposes. Although data is lacking on the control of D. perspectalis, chemical and biological control methods (e.g. with nematodes such as Steinernema sp.) are mentioned in the literature. The introduction of such a new pest in Europe could represent a threat to nurseries, parks and gardens, and Buxus shrubs growing in the wild.
Source(s)
Bin-Cheng Zhang (1994) Index of economically important Lepidoptera. CABI Wallingford, GB, 599 pp.
CABI Crop Protection Compendium. http://www.cabicompendium.org/cpc/
Maruyama T (1993) Life cycle of the box-tree pyralid, Glyphodes perspectalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). IV. Effect of various host plants on larval growth and food utilization. Japanese Journal of Applied Entomology and-Zoology 7(3), 117-122 (abst.).
NPPO of Germany, 2007-07.
Tang SJ, Qin HZ, Sun W (1990) Studies on bionomics of Diaphania perspectalis. Journal of Shanghai Agricultural College 8(4), 307-312 (abst.).
Zhou-Wei, Xia-CaiYun, Sun-XingQuan, Zhu-Bing, Liu-XiaoPing, Liu-ZhiCheng, Wang-Yan (2005) Studies on the biological characteristics and control of Diaphania perspectalis Walker. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University Agricultural Science 23(1), 52-56 (abst.).
EPPO RS 2007/215
| Panel review date - | Entry date 2007-11 |