Toxoptera citricida found in Florida (US)
In November 1995, Toxoptera citricida (EPPO A1 quarantine pest, vector of citrus tristeza closterovirus) was found for the first time on an orange tree in a residential property, in Florida (US). Trees of the infested property were treated with an insecticide. It is noted that some strains of citrus tristeza closterovirus are present in Florida, but that many commercial orchards have been spared from the effects of the virus due to the lack of an efficient vector. Further surveys are being carried out in the vicinity of the initial infestation, and an action plan has been developed in order to deal with the possible introduction of this pest in Florida.
Sources
Anonymous (1996) Brown citrus aphid invades Florida.
NAPPO Newsletter, 16 (1), p 2.