First report of Phyllocnistis citrella in Cuba
The citrus leaf miner, Phyllocnistis citrella (potential EPPO A2 quarantine pest), has been found for the first time in the Western part of Cuba, in October-November 1993. At present, the pest is present all over the island. The authors recalled that P. citrella has been recorded for the first time in Florida (US) in May 1993 (EPPO RS 94/163). Studies are being carried out in Cuba to identify natural enemies which could be used to control the pest. So far, six species of parasitoids have been identified (all belonging to Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae and Elasmidae). The efficacy of biopesticides, such as neem extracts and Bacillus thuringiensis is currently being evaluated.
Sources
González, N.; Peña, E.; Hernández, I.; Borges, M.; Pérez, I.; Castellanos, A.; González, C.; Vázquez, L.; Jiménez, R.; Castellanos, L.; Acea, R.; Otero, O.; Morera, J.,L.; Tamayo, I.; Cáceres, I.; Martín, C.; Pajón, J.; García, M.; Márquez, M.,H.; Pérez, R.; Pérez, C.; Chong, A.; Pla, D. (1994) [Detection and control of a new pest of citrus in Cuba, the citrus leaf miner, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton.]
Abstract of a paper presented at the 'II Encuentro nacional de bioplaguicidas, Ciudad de La Habana, 1994-10-25/27'.