First report of Epichrysocharis burwelli in Portugal
In Portugal, Epichrysocharis burwelli (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was detected for the first time in June 2015 in Almada, causing leaf galls on Corymbia (Eucalyptus) citriodora. In a subsequent survey, the pest was found in 4 out 7 of sampled locations (Almada, Escaroupim, Sete-Rios, Tapada da Ajuda) along the Tagus river, between the region of Lisbon and Castelo Branco. The pest was found on C. citriodora in gardens, parks and in a commercial plantation for essential-oil extraction. E. burwelli causes small galls on leaves and depending on the infestation level, it may negatively affect the essential-oil yield in plantations of
C. citriodora. E. burwelli originates from Australia and has been introduced into some parts of the Americas (e.g. California, Brazil). Interestingly, an unidentified species of Closterocerus, which is not known from Europe, was found parasitizing the larvae of
E. burwelli. This first report of E. burwelli in Portugal is also a first report for Europe. It is suspected that E. burwelli has been introduced with imports of C. citriodora plants for planting to be used for ornamental purposes or essential-oil production.
C. citriodora. E. burwelli originates from Australia and has been introduced into some parts of the Americas (e.g. California, Brazil). Interestingly, an unidentified species of Closterocerus, which is not known from Europe, was found parasitizing the larvae of
E. burwelli. This first report of E. burwelli in Portugal is also a first report for Europe. It is suspected that E. burwelli has been introduced with imports of C. citriodora plants for planting to be used for ornamental purposes or essential-oil production.
Sources
Franco JC, Garcia A, Branco M (2016) First report of Epichrysocharis burwelli in Europe, a new invasive gall wasp attacking eucalypts. Phytoparasitica 44(4), 443-446.