Eucalyptus pests
1. According to recent information, Phoracantha semipunctata, an A2 pest of Eucalyptus, is continuing to extend its range. Present in the 1960's in Israel, Egypt, Tunisia and Italy, it has spread to most parts of Algeria (though still mainly concentrated in the east of that country). The beetle is present in the immediate region of Lisbon in Portugal, where intensive measures are being taken to contain and eradicate it. A small number of foci (each of only a few trees) has been found in Huelva province in SW Spain, where similar measures are in force. In addition to these countries where the pest is not yet established, France, Morocco and the eastern Mediterranean countries are seriously at risk.
2. The Eucalyptus weevil Gonipterus scutellatus, an Al organism and not therefore previously reported from the EPPO region, is now confirmed to be locally established in the Alpes-Maritimes department in SE France and in the western part of the Ligurian riviera in NW Italy. The introduction of the misrohymenopteran egg-parasite Patasson nitens into both countries is at present limiting further population development. All other Eucalyptus growing countries are at risk.