Updated situation of Ripersiella hibisci in Italy
The root mealybug Ripersiella hibisci (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae – EPPO A1 List) was detected for the first time in Italy in April 2021 in the municipality of Fiumefreddo di Sicilia (Province of Catania - Sicily) (EPPO RS 2021/081). Further surveys conducted in May 2021 detected the pest in six other production sites located in the neighbouring municipalities of Piedimonte Etneo and Calatabiano (also in the province of Catania) on potted plants of palms (Phoenix sp., Chamaerops humilis, Trachycarpus fortunei) and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The potted plants found to be infested did not show any above-ground symptoms (e.g. chlorosis, wilting, reduction of development). Juvenile and female forms were found in the root system which was in good condition.
Phytosanitary measures are being adopted with the aim of eradicating the outbreaks: this includes the prohibition of movement of infested lots and the destruction of infested plants. Insecticide treatments and inspections are prescribed on host plants lots. Trace forward investigations have allowed two infested plants of Callistemon citrinus in Campania region to be found, these belonged to a batch of 25 plants. The plants were promptly destroyed.
The pest status of Ripersiella hibisci in Italy is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2021-06).