First report of Aphis illinoisensis in Algeria
The grapevine aphid, Aphis illinoisensis (Homoptera: Aphididae) originates from the Americas but was introduced into the Mediterranean region in the 2000s where it is showing an invasive behaviour. It was first detected in Turkey in 2002 and in Crete (GR) in 2005 where it rapidly spread across the island (EPPO RS 2007/034). A. illinoisensis was first found in Algeria in November 2007 in Batna. A survey carried out in 2009 showed that the pest is now widespread across the country. It was detected in several localities (El Harrach, Tassousset, El Kous, Guelma, Batna, Arris) in different environments (from humid to semi-arid) but always on irrigated vineyards. For the moment, grapevine aphid colonies were only observed on leaves and twigs (not on grapes). Further studies will be conducted to determine the distribution of A. illinoisensis in Algeria and its biology.
Sources
Laamari M, Coeur d’Acier A (2010) Le puceron de la vigne Aphis illinoisensis arrive en Algérie. Bulletin OEPP/EPPO Bulletin 40(1) 167–168.