First report of Phyllocnistis citrella in Sardegna (IT)
Phyllocnistis citrella (potential EPPO A2 quarantine pest) has been reported for the first time in Sardegna (IT) in autumn 1994 and is now spreading all over the island, causing serious damage to citrus. In Sardegna, the pest attacks sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), lemon (C. limon), mandarin (C. reticulata), and grapefruit (C. paradisi). The authors noted that until 1986 this species was confined to Asia, but was reported in 1993 in Florida (US) (EPPO RS 94/163), in 1994 in Spain (EPPO RS 94/185) and then spread very rapidly in the Mediterranean Basin. According to them the pest is also present in Algeria, Israel, Morocco, Portugal and Turkey. The EPPO Secretariat will check this point, because if confirmed these would be also the first reports in Morocco, Portugal and Turkey.
Sources
Ortu, S.; Delrio, G.; Lentini, A. (1995) [Citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lep: Gracillariidae: Phyllocnistidae), in Italy].
Informatore Fitopatologico, 3, 38-41.