Diabrotica barberi and D. virgifera zeae

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Updated 09 March 2023 ( Version 1 )

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This pest survey card was prepared in the context of the EFSA mandate on plant pest surveillance (M-2020-0114), following a request from the European Commission. Its purpose is to guide the Member States in preparing data and information for surveys of Diabrotica barberi Smith & Lawrence and Diabrotica virgifera zeae Krysan & Smith (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). These are required to design statistically sound and risk-based pest surveys in line with current international standards. Diabrotica barberi and D. virgifera zeae are Union quarantine pests not known to occur in the EU. Both species occur in North and Central America with some overlap along the US–Mexican border states. While D. barberi is restricted to Canada and the USA, D. virgifera zeae extends further to Central America. Larvae primarily feed on the roots of maize plants, occasionally on millet, rice and spelt (D. barberi) or sorghum (D. virgifera zeae). The adults can occur on mainly the flowers of Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae. Detection surveys can be conducted on maize. Delimiting surveys could possibly target all the host plants where the insects breed. In general, D. barberi and D. virgifera zeae can complete one generation per year. Extended diapause by overwintering eggs can occur. In the event of accidental introduction to the EU, the extensive presence of cultivated maize and the presence of suitable climatic conditions would permit the pest’s establishment in several areas. Moreover, natural dispersal abilities would favour the colonisation of new areas within the EU. The trade of soil and host plants other than corn, are regulated. Hitch-hiking by the adults on international transportation is the most likely source of introduction to the EU. Hence, maize fields around airports, ports and main roads should be considered as risk areas. Adults can be trapped using sticky traps combined with semiochemicals. Adults can be identified morphologically using taxonomic identification either in the field or laboratory, and also by using molecular methods (for D. barberi only). The immature stages can be identified only using molecular techniques in the laboratory. The best timing for adult surveys is from mid-June until the end of October.

© European Food Safety Authority, 2023

Heading picture: © Joseph L. Spencer, University of Illinois (Diabrotica barberi, left); © Marlin E. Rice (Diabrotica virgifera zeae, right)

Authors' affiliation: Gabriele Rondoni, Università degli Studi di Perugia; Ignazio Graziosi, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Copyright for non-EFSA content: EFSA may include images or other content for which it does not hold copyright. In such cases, EFSA indicates the copyright holder and users should seek permission to reproduce the content from the original source.

The designations employed and the presentation of material on the maps in this document do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the European Food Safety Authority concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

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