Pest categorisation of Leucinodes orbonalis

Abstract

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the eggplant fruit and shoot borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée, (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), for the territory of the EU. L. orbonalis is a tropical and sub-tropical species native to Asia and Australia with India considered its centre of origin. Following taxonomic revision, literature reporting L. orbonalis from sub-Saharan Africa should be regarded as referring to members of a complex of other species of Leucinodes native to Africa and not as referring to L. orbonalis. L. orbonalis is not present in the EU and is not a regulated EU pest. L. orbonalis is a major pest of Solanum melongena (eggplant) in Asia where larvae feed within leaves, stems, shoots and fruits. Larvae can also feed on a range of other plants, mostly within Solanaceae although L. orbonalis is generally not reported as a pest of crops other than S. melongena. However, in recent years L. orbonalis has emerged as a pest of Solanum tuberosum in south-west India. In tropical areas there can be 10 generations per year if conditions are suitable. L. orbonalis has been intercepted 350 times in the EU from a range of Asian countries on a range of produce, mostly larvae in fruits of S. melongena. Biotic factors (host availability) and abiotic factors (climate suitability) suggest that some small areas of the EU could be suitable for establishment. Adult L. orbonalis can fly and the species could spread within the EU. The introduction of L. orbonalis into the EU would have an economic impact, most likely on S. melongena production, the magnitude of which is uncertain. Measures are available to prevent the entry of L. orbonalis into the EU. L. orbonalis satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Keywords: Aubergine; Brinjal fruit and shoot borer; Eggplant fruit borer; Solanum melongena; interceptions; pest risk; quarantine.

Figure 1

Global distribution of Leucinodes orbonalis (Source: EPPO Global Database accessed on 24/9/21)

Figure 2

World distribution of four Köppen–Geiger climate types that occur in the EU and which occur in countries where Leucinodes orbonalis has been reported. (Countries where L. orbonalis occur are highlighted with black borders)