First report of Aonidiella citrina in Italy (EU)
Aonidiella citrina (EU Annex II/A1 - potential EPPO A2 quarantine pest) has been recorded for the first time in Italy. The yellow scale has been detected on orange cvs Moro and Tarocco and on clementine. For the moment, the pest is only limited to the region near Corigliano in Calabria (southern Italy). It is felt that this pest was probably introduced into Italy two years ago. Defoliation and pitted fruits can be seen on attacked trees, but this scale does not attack bark (whereas A. aurantii damages the bark). However, the authors concluded that A. citrina does not seem to be a major citrus pest in this region, as it can be controlled by treatments against other scales (e.g. A. aurantii) and by natural enemies already present in the orchards. In addition, an exotic coccinellid predator Chilochorus nigritus has been released in infested citrus groves.
Sources
Longo, S.; Mazzeo, G.; Russo, A.; Siscaro, G. (1994) [Aonidiella citrina (Coquillet) new citrus pest in Italy].
Informatore Fitopatologico, 44 (12), 19 -25.