First report of Liriomyza huidobrensis in Sicilia (IT)
The authors recalled that Liriomyza huidobrensis (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) was first found in the North of Italy in Liguria (in 1991) and then in Piemonte (in 1994). The pest has been found for the first time in Sicilia in spring 1991, on pepper (Capsicum annuum) grown in protected conditions in the coastal region of Ragusa (south-east of the island). The pest has been recorded on many vegetable and ornamental crops: e.g. tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), aubergine (Solanum melongena), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), Cineraria (Senecio cruentus) and also on weeds. L. huidobrensis has also been found on Gerbera jamesonii and Inula viscosa (weed) which had not previously been recorded as host plants in the literature. However, the parasitoid Diglyphus isaea, which occurs naturally in Sicilian protected crops, has been able to limit the pest populations and damage.
Sources
Calabretta, C.; Calabró, M.; Colombo, A.; Campo, G. (1995) [Spread of Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) (Diptera, Agromyzidae) in protected crops of Sicily]
Informatore Fitopatologico, 6, 24-30.