First report of Trioza erythreae in Islas Canarias (Spain)
In Islas Canarias (Spain), citrus is grown on a small scale (1.475 ha in 2002 with a production of 18.126 t of fruits) and only for local consumption. Under current phytosanitary regulations, citrus plants for planting can only be imported from mainland Spain. In spring 2002, the presence of Trioza erythreae (Homoptera: Psyllidae – EPPO A1 list) was first detected in the north of the island of Tenerife. T. erythreae is a known vector of greening (a bacterial disease caused by Liberibacter africanum). In Europe, T. erythreae was also found in 1994 in the island of Madeira (Portugal), but the disease has not been detected. Delimiting surveys were carried out in Tenerife and showed that the insect was present in the north of the island, along the coast, from sea level up to altitudes of 700/800 m. In summer and autumn 2002, T. erythreae was also discovered on the islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. It is suspected that trade winds transported the pest from Tenerife to the other islands. It was observed that T. erythreae remained located in the north of the islands where cool and humid conditions prevail, and was not found in the south where climates are drier and hotter. In Islas Canarias, T. erythreae was observed on oranges, mandarins, lime and lemon. Eradication and containment measures are being applied by the authorities. Compulsory chemical treatments have been made in 2002 with dimethoate and imidacloprid in all infested areas. Restrictions on the movement of citrus planting material between the islands and the mainland are now imposed. In 2003, the incidence of the pest was much reduced, and further treatments were made. It must be also stressed that citrus greening has not been detected in Islas Canarias.
The situation of Trioza erythreae in Spain can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2002 in Islas Canarias (Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, El Hierro), under eradication.
Sources
Hernández (2003) Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio 1918): nueva plaga de los cítricos en Canarias.
Phytoma España, no. 153, 112-118.