First record of Eutetranychus orientalis in the south of Spain
In 2001, the presence of Eutetranychus orientalis (Acari: Tetranychidae – EPPO A2 list) was observed for the first time in the province of Málaga, south of Spain. This mite mainly affects lemons and oranges, and to a lesser extent mandarins. Heavy and repeated infestation of citrus orchards may lead to a loss of vigour and reduction of fruit size. During 2002, infested citrus-growing areas increased, and the pest was also found on other crops. In Málaga, E. orientalis was observed on avocados and mangoes, near infested lemon orchards. In the provinces of Sevilla and Cordoba, it was found in urban areas on ornamentals (e.g. Cercis siliquastrum and Melia). Chemicals applied against other mites can efficiently control E. orientalis. Biological control agents usually applied against other mites are probably effective but this has not yet been verified. The situation of E. orientalis in Spain can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2001 in the south of Spain (Andalucía).
Note: Another mite species affecting citrus crops, Eutetranychus banksi, has also been reported recently in the Iberian Peninsula. This species originates from the Americas. E. banksi was first reported in Portugal in 1999, and in the south of Spain in 2001.
Sources
García, E.; Márquez, A.L.; Orta, S.; Alvarado, P. (2003) Caracterización de la presencia de Eutetranychus banksi (McGregor) y Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) en el Sur de España.
Phytoma España, no. 153, 90-96.