Situation of Phyllocnistis citrella in Spain
A report on the phytosanitary status of the Spanish crops has been published and gives details in particular on the situation of Phyllocnistis citrella (EPPO A2 potential quarantine pest) in the different provinces.
Andalucía: P. citrella was introduced in summer 1993 in the areas of Cadíz and Málaga. In September 1994, the pest has spread to all citrus-growing regions of Andalucía.
Baleares: P. citrella has colonized the islands since its introduction in June 1994. Serious damage has only been seen in two foci in young plantations.
Cataluña: In September 1994, the pest was found in the region of Tarragona (near the Comunidad Valenciana) and then spread during the autumn to all citrus-growing regions near Tarragona.
Murcia: P. citrella was found at the beginning of August 1994 in citrus groves and isolated trees in private gardens of the coastal region (Mazarró, Aguilas and Campo de Cartagena). At the end of 1994, it was present in the majority of the citrus-growing areas (including Valle del Guadalentín, Huerta de Murcia, regions situated along the rivers Segura and Mula). In Murcia, a parasitoid Pnigalio sp. has been found and causes some pest mortality in the orchards.
Comunidad Valenciana: The pest was detected in summer 1994 and spread rapidly in this region. Studies are being carried out on three parasitoids from Australia.
Sources
Anonymous (1995) [Phytosanitary status of the Spanish crops in 1994]
Phytoma-España, n° 67, 12-62.