First report of Bactericera cockerelli in Australia
In February 2017, Bactericera cockerelli (EPPO A1 List - vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’) was reported for the first time near Perth, Western Australia (AU). The pest has been detected in several Perth backyard vegetables and in a commercial crop north of Perth. Testing is underway to determine whether ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ which is associated with zebra chip of potatoes is present. For the moment, ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ (potato haplotypes are included in the EPPO A1 List) has not been found in any samples taken. Phytosanitary measures have been taken to eradicate B. cockerelli and restrictions on the movements of host plants have been imposed to prevent any further spread. B. cockerelli has not been found in other Australian states.
The situation of Bactericera cockerelli in Australia can be described as follows: Present, only in some areas (near Perth, Western Australia), under eradication.
Sources
IPPC website. Official Pest Reports – Australia (AUS-78/1 of 2017-02-16)
Detection of Bactericera cockerelli (Tomato-potato psyllid) in Western Australia. https://www.ippc.int/en/countries/australia/pestreports/2017/02/detection-of-bactericera-cockerelli-tomato-potato-psyllid-in-western-australia/
Government of Western Australia. Department of Agriculture and Food. Biosecurity alert: Tomato potato psyllid. https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/tpp