Pest risk assessment for Contarinia maculipennis (blossom midge)

C. maculipennis is a polyphagous species that has been recorded from eight plant families with the greatest number of separate hosts recorded from the Solanaceae. However, the primary hosts appear to be species of Dendrobium orchids, and possibly also bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), although reduction of fruit yield on the latter has not yet been reported. 
 
The pest is not known to be present in the UK; it is known only from interceptions at UK points of entry. It was intercepted on four occasions in 2011, in each case on a consignment of orchids from Thailand. 
 
A Dutch PRA already exists for this pest (van der Gaag et al., 2007). This Rapid Assessment was requested for this pest to help identify the most appropriate actions to take when it is intercepted.  
No statutory action on cut flowers - provided industry can confirm that there is no clear pathway from cut flowers to orchid production. Statutory action on cuttings recommended, due to the potential direct pathway to growers.