First report of Macrohomotoma gladiata in Spain
The NPPO of Spain recently reported to the EPPO Secretariat the presence of Macrohomotoma gladiata (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) on its territory. This psyllid is now present in a limited number of places along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. M. gladiata is known to occur in Asia (Ryukyu Islands (Japan), Sumatra (Indonesia), and Taiwan) where it feeds on Ficus microcarpa. A brief description with pictures has been prepared by Dr Mifsud and Dr Porcelli and can be viewed on the EPPO website:
http://www.eppo.org/QUARANTINE/macrohomotoma_gladiata_ES/macrohomotoma_gladiata.htm
In Spain, the first outbreaks were detected on F. microcarpa in several localities in Islas Baleares (5 outbreaks in Mallorca and 1 in Ibiza). M. gladiata has also been detected on F. nitida in Alicante (Valencia), and on F. microcarpa in Murcia. Finally, 2 new outbreaks were detected on F. microcarpa in Barcelona (Cataluña). Control measures are being implemented to eradicate M. gladiata from the affected areas. In particular, phytosanitary treatment will be applied in winter and spring using different active substances (e.g. chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin).
Sources
NPPO of Spain (2011-10).