First report of Aculops fuchsiae in France
In France, the presence of Aculops fuchsiae (Acari: Eriophyidae - EPPO A1 list) on a Fuchsia plant was suspected in November 2003. In December, the identity of the pest was officially confirmed. In the meantime, surveys were carried out to delimit the extent of the outbreak and trace its possible origin. The first results showed that A. fuchsiae was restricted to the Bretagne region, around the southern coast (Golfe du Morbihan). Symptoms were observed on a single Fuchsia plant in one nursery, and a few other infestations were detected on plants belonging to Fuchsia collectors, on a total of 8 sites. No similar symptoms were observed in other parts of France. The origin of the infestation could not be clearly established. However, infestations found in collector gardens suggest that the pest may have been introduced by private exchanges of plant material. All infested material will be destroyed. This is the first record of A. fuchsiae in France, and in Europe. So far, A. fuchsiae has only been recorded in the Americas (Brazil, USA).
The situation of A. fuchsiae in France can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2003 on a few Fuchsia plants in Bretagne (8 sites in Golfe du Morbihan), under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of France, 2003-12.