EPPO Global Database

EPPO Reporting Service no. 02 - 2019 Num. article: 2019/032

First report of Oligonychus perseae in Morocco


In Morocco, Oligonychus perseae (Acari: Tetranychidae – formerly EPPO Alert List) was first found in 2018. From September to November 2018, damage was observed in several avocado (Persea americana) orchards near Mnasra (Kénitra province, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region) and Laouamra (Larache province, Tanger-Tétouan region). In Morocco, O. perseae is considered to be an emerging and primary pest on avocado. Surveys will be carried out to determine its distribution, and studies will be conducted on possible measures to prevent its further spread. 


Sources

Smaili MC, Benyahia H (2018) Alerte ! Invasion et la recrudescence des dégâts d’un nouveau ravageur émergent sur avocatier au Maroc : Oligonychus perseae (Acari : Tetranychidae). Agriculture du Maghreb no. 115, 88-89.