Outbreak of a potential pest in Germany: Crenidorsum aroidephagus
In 2000, in Berlin, an unusual whitefly species was recorded in the glasshouses of the Botanical Garden of Tierpark Friedrichsfelde, and of the Zoological Garden. It was recently described as a new species Crenidorsum aroidephagus (Sternorrhyncha, Aleyrodidae) by Martin et al. (2001). The plants have not been shown to be damaged by the infestation. Because of the public access to the glasshouses, the pest is being biologically controlled. C. aroidephagus is known to occur in Central and South America, southern USA, Pacific Region and Madeira (PT). Until now, only plants of Araceae have been found infested by C. aroidephagus.
The situation of C. aroidephagus in Germany can be described as follows: Present: under protected conditions in a botanical/zoological garden (Berlin), under biological control.
Sources
NPPO of Germany, 2001-10.
Martin, J.H.; Aguiar, A.M.F.; Baufeld, P. (2001) Crenidorsum aroidephagus Martin ; Aguiar sp. nov. (Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodidae), a New World whitefly species now colonising cultivated Araceae in Europe, Macaronesia and the Pacific Region.
Zootaxa, 4:1-8.