Confirmation of the occurrence of Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter, 1895) (Hemiptera: Miridae) in Poland

Abstract

For over 5 years, in the countries of north-western Europe, there has been a growing threat of a new pest, which does not yet have a Polish name, and whose presence has been confirmed from production facilities in Poland in the last 3 years. Nesidiocoris tenuis is a true bug that pierces the plant and sucks the sap from the phloem. In places of feeding, tissue necrosis occurs, leading to deformations, brown rings and, consequently, inhibition of the growth of punctured plant parts. Paradoxically, in the Mediterranean countries, this insect has been treated as a useful predator for years and, as part of biological protection, used to fight the tomato moth Tuta absoluta.