Liriomyza huidobrensis present in Réunion
Liriomyza huidobrensis (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) was introduced into Réunion, in 1990, probably from Europe. Surveys have been carried out in 1990 and 1991. In December 1990, L. huidobrensis was found for the first time and was present only in the north of the island, but since mid-1991 it has spread all over the country (coastal regions and up to altitudes of 1300 m). The leafminer damages mainly vegetable crops, such as beet, cabagges, cow pea, lettuce, pea and potato. L. trifolii is also present on the island and the authors have observed that L. huidobrensis is the dominant species in regions of higher altitude (above 1000 m) and colder temperatures, whereas L. trifolii is more abundant near the coast. As potatoes are mostly grown at these higher altitudes, this could also explain why they are seriously attacked by L. huidobrensis.
Sources
Vercambre, B.; de Crozals, A. (1993) ;Relation entre Liriomyza huidobrensis et L. trifolii … l'Œle de la Réunion.
Paper presented at the Conference "Liriomyza" - Conference on leaf-mining flies in cultivated plants, Montpellier (FR), 1993-03-24/26.