News from the Diagnostic Centre of the Dutch Plant Protection Service
1) Diaprepes abbreviatus was observed in November 1994 on an Areca palm imported (in May or June) from the Dominican Republic. Although no more beetles were found in the glasshouse concerned, measures were taken to prevent further spread. D. abbreviatus is very polyphagous, damage is known on citrus, yucca, sugarcane, cotton, coffee etc. Although it is very unlikely that this insect can survive outdoor in Europe, it may establish in glasshouses. It originates from the Caribbean region, South and Central America and Mexico. Reports mention that it is still spreading within North America.
2) The mealybug, Rhizoecus hibisci, which has been intercepted several times in European countries on bonsai plants from China, is now present in some glasshouses in the Netherlands. It was found on Rhapis sp. (Palmae) originating from Hong Kong, and on two bonsai trees, Serissa sp. (Rutacae) and Zelkova sp. (Ulmacae) both originating from China. In Japan, R. hibisci was reported from the following hosts: Carex sp. Crinum asiaticum, Cuphea hyssopifolia, Dieffenbachia sp., Hakonechloa macra, Nerium oleander, Pelargonium, Phoenix sp., Sabal sp. Hibiscus rosasinensis. In the Netherlands, serious damage (including shrivelling and death of plants) was only observed on Serissa in a glasshouse at Rijsenhout in 1992.
3) Tomato black ring nepovirus (EU Annex II/A2) was detected in carrot (Daucus carota cv. Panther). Affected plants showed mosaic and chlorosis on the leaves, but leaf margins often remain green. In the field these symptoms were observed only locally.
4) In 1994, tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (potential A2 quarantine pest) was detected 44 times in 25 different plant species. Among these, the virus was found for the first time on Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Maranta tricolor and Spinacia oleracea.
5) Potato spindle tuber viroid (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) has been intercepted on potatoes from Cuba. According to the EPPO Secretariat, this pathogen is not mentioned as present in this country.
Sources
Annual Report 1994, Diagnostic Centre, Plant Protection Service, Wageningen, Netherlands, 131 pp.