First report of Aleurolobus marlatti in Cyprus
The NPPO of Cyprus recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Aleurolobus marlatii (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on its territory. In October 2016, this whitefly was found on Citrus plants growing in public gardens in Larnaca and Limassol districts. The identity of the pest was confirmed by the laboratory of Fera (GB) using morphological methods. Surveys are ongoing and further measures will be taken. Observations showed that A. marlatti is widespread in Larnaca and Limassol districts but no severe damage has been recorded.
The pest status of Aleurolobus marlatti in Cyprus is officially declared as: Present (widespread).
EPPO note: A. marlatti is a polyphagous species feeding mostly on woody plants which has been reported to be an occasional pest of citrus (e.g. in Japan). It feeds on leaves and most injury is caused by sooty moulds developing on excreted honeydew. It has been recorded at least in the following countries:
EPPO region: Italy (Sicilia), Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Malta.
Africa: Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Mali, Sudan.
Asia: China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Korea (Republic of), Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan.
Oceania: Australia.
Sources
NPPO of Cyprus (2017-03).