Description
ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION. It originates from the Americas and some species have been accidentally introduced into other regions of the world, such as Europe, where they can cause significant damage to crops.
HOST PLANTS Epitrix host plants include potato(Solanum tuberosum), tomato(Solanum lycopersicum), aubergine(Solanum melongena), pepper(Capsicum annuum), tobacco(Nicotiana tabacum) and weeds such as Solanum nigrum and Datura stramonium.
BIOLOGY. The genus Epitrix comprises several species of tiny beetles, about 1-2 mm, almost identical to each other, usually dark, which feed on the leaves of plants, piercing them. The females lay their eggs in the soil near the host plants and the larvae (about 5 mm) develop by feeding on roots and tubers, then pupate in the soil. Adults emerge in late spring-summer, can be very mobile and can therefore spread rapidly in crops.
SYMPTOMATOLOGY. Damage caused by Epitrix can be significant and includes
- characteristic small holes (1-1.5 mm) on the leaves, similar to bullet blows;
- yellowing and wilting of the leaves;
- superficial galleries on tubers caused by larvae and more or less deep holes;
- reduced crop yield and quality.
PATHWAYS OF SPREAD. Adults of E. tuberis can fly and this is one of the means of local dispersal of the species, but the main route of long-distance dispersal of adults and pupae is the commercial transport of uncleaned potato tubers, thus associated with soil and plant debris.
CONTROL AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES. Prevention of the introduction of Epitrix is essential, while any control of the insect requires an integrated approach that includes, for example, regular monitoring of crops, crop rotation, and the implementation of targeted phytosanitary measures.
REPORTING. To provide reports and receive information contact the Provincial Plant Protection Service (tel. 0461/495660; e-mail: serv.agricoltura@provincia.tn.it; pec: serv.agricoltura@pec.provincia.tn.it)
REFERENCE LEGISLATION. Regulation (EU) 2016/ 2031; Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072; Implementing Decision (EU) 2012/270 of the Commission of 3 January 2018 and subsequent amendments and int.; Legislative Decree no. 19/2021.