Where is the native range of Epitrix papa, a damaging invasive pest of potato tubers, recently introduced into Portugal?
Citation
Ameen A, Favrin R, Douglas H, Henry G (2017) Where is the native range of Epitrix papa, a damaging invasive pest of potato tubers, recently introduced into Portugal? Entomological Society of Canada, Annual Meeting. Winnipeg Manitoba. Poster Presentation.
Plain language summary
European (EPPO) entomologists discovered a new species of potato tuber damaging Epitrix flea beetle in Portugal. They assumed it was introduced, possibly from Canada (maybe on seed potatoes from PEI). We demonstrated that it could not be a Canadian species based on the scientific literature and specimens in the Canadian National Collection of Insects Arachnids and Nematodes. Potential plant health quarantines against Canadian potatoes were avoided. It is much more likely to have come from the native range of potato in the Andes.
Abstract
Abstract: A previously unknown species of Epitrix flea beetle was reported to be causing economic damage to field-planted potato tubers in Northern Portugal in 2004. It was mis-identified as E. similaris, a North American species. Canada was speculated to be the source of this new European invasion. Investigations conducted by European scientists confirmed the mis-identification. The introduced Epitrix beetle is a species new to science and was described as E. papa. The native origin of E. papa is unknown at the present time, but it is not from Canada or the United States.