Incursion of Chrysomphalus dictyospermi and Pinnaspis aspidistrae in Germany
The NPPO of Germany recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first incursion of two scale insects on its territory: Chrysomphalus dictyospermi and Pinnaspis aspidistrae (both Homoptera: Diaspididae). In July 2006, C. dictyospermi was detected on Areca and P. aspidistrae was detected on fern trees (Asplenium nidus) in a tropical glasshouse belonging to a recreation resort. The origin of the infestation is not known. Beneficial arthropods have been released and movement of plants from the infested glasshouse was prohibited. The pest status of both Chrysomphalus dictyospermi and Pinnaspis aspidistrae is declared as follows: Present, single incursion, under eradication.
EPPO note: C. dictyospermi is a highly polyphagous insect (in particular, it can attack citrus, olive trees and palms). C. dictyospermi is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, and occurs in many countries around the Mediterranean Basin and also under glass in temperate areas (CABI map no. 3, 1969).
P. aspidistrae attacks many fern species and other plants such as citrus, ornamentals (e.g. cycas, dracaena, ficus, geranium, hibiscus, orchids), mangoes, palm trees. It has a rather wide geographical distribution, and is reported to occur in several countries around the Mediterranean Basin (CABI map no. 369, 1977).
Sources
NPPO of Germany, 2006-09.