First report of Penthimiola bella in Morocco
In Morocco, Penthimiola bella (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae - citrus leafhopper) was first recorded in 2018. During surveys conducted from September to November 2018 in avocado (Persea americana) orchards, P. bella was found near Mnasra (Kénitra province, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region) and Laouamra (Larache province, Tanger-Tétouan region). P. bella is a polyphagous sap feeder which is thought to originate from the Afrotropical region. In the EPPO region, P. bella has been recorded in Israel, Lebanon and Portugal (EPPO RS 2016/099). The impact of the pest on avocado and other important crops, such as citrus, remains to be further studied in Morocco.
Sources
Smaili MC, Benyahia H (2018) Alerte ! Nouvelle cicadelle Penthimiola bella sur l’avocatier au Maroc. Agriculture du Maghreb no. 115, 85-87.