First report of Aculops fuchsiae in Belgium
The NPPO of Belgium recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Aculops fuchsiae (Acari: Eriophyidae – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. A. fuchsiae was detected in Rumst (province of Antwerp) on Fuchsia spp. in August 2012. One fuchsia plant showing symptoms was sent to the national reference laboratory by a private collector of fuchsia on 2012-08-01. The identity of the pest was confirmed on 2012-08-08 on the basis of its morphological characteristics. Within the same collection, other fuchsia plants were showing similar symptoms. Investigations are ongoing to identify the possible source of this infestation but for the moment it could not be traced. Official control measures were taken, and all the plants (approximately 300 symptomatic and asymptomatic plants) in the private collection have been destroyed by burning.
The pest status of Aculops fuchsiae in Belgium is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Belgium (2012-09).