First report of Aleuroclava aucubae in France
The NPPO of France recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Aleuroclava aucubae (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on its territory. In April 2013, numerous puparia were discovered on Citrus sp. in a private garden in Corse (department of Haute-Corse). The identity of the whitefly was confirmed in May 2013 by the Anses plant health laboratory. The origin of the introduction of A. aucubae into Corse is unknown. No particular phytosanitary measures were taken. As mentioned in EPPO RS 2013/011, A.;aucubae is a polyphagous species which probably originates from Asia. During the last decade, it has been introduced into the USA (California in 2002) and the following European countries: Italy in 2007, Slovenia in 2011, and now France. In the literature, no particular economic damage is reported. However, considering the general lack of information about this species and the fact this is a regulated pest for Australia and New Zealand, the NPPO of France felt that it would be desirable to follow its possible spread within the EPPO region.
The pest status of Aleuroclava aucubae in France is officially declared as: Present, only in some areas (Corse).
Sources
NPPO of France (2013-05).