Pest survey card on Bactrocera zonata

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Published on: Fri, 29 Jan 2021

This pest survey card was prepared in the context of the EFSA mandate on plant pest surveillance (M‐2020‐0114), at the request of the European Commission. Its purpose is to guide the Member States in preparing data and information for Bactrocerazonatasurveys. These are required to design statistically sound and risk‐based pest surveys, in line with current international standards.Bactrocerazonatais a clearly defined taxonomic entity.Imports of fruits of Prunus speciesand several other hosts are currently subject to specific measures aiming to prevent entry ofnon‐European Tephritidae.Nevertheless,the most likely introduction of B. zonatawould be via transport of infested fruit followed by gradual natural spread. Bactrocerazonatais currently absent from the EU and surveys would therefore be aimed at substantiating pest freedom. Adult trapping is the preferred survey method for the detection of B. zonata. The preferred timing for surveillance is during the summer months when abundant fruits are available from the main host plants. Bactrocerazonatais a polyphagous species that has currently been reported to attack over 50 cultivated and wild plant species. The primary host for detection surveys in the EU would be cultivated peaches and nectarines, whereas other host species should be includedin case of delimiting surveys. Bactrocerazonata is expected to be able to establish in the southern part of the EU. Identification of B. zonataat the species level requires morphological examination of adults and molecular protocols are available.