Further spread of Gonipterus scutellatus in Spain
In the EPPO RS 96/049, the occurrence of Gonipterus scutellatus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) in the north-west of Spain was reported. It was first found in 1991 in Pontevedra (Galicia). In 1994, the pest had spread in Galicia around Pontevedra, within a radius of approximately 45 km. In a more recent paper, it appears that further spread took place. In 1995, this defoliator of eucalyptus trees was present within a radius of 83-85 km around its original focus. It is now present in the whole province of Pontevedra, in the southern part of La Coruña, and western part of Orense and Lugo. These areas are very close to Portugal. The authors of this paper stated that they have seen the pest in the northern part of Portugal, and felt that it has probably been introduced there during the current year (however this has not been confirmed by the Portuguese authorities). In 1994, G. scutellatus was found also in Asturias near Navia and Luarca (north coast of Spain).
Sources
Mansilla Vazquez, P.; Pérez Otero, R. (1996) El defoliador del eucalipto Gonipterus scutellatus.
Phytoma-España, no. 81, 36-42.