First report of Eotetranychus lewisi in mainland Portugal
In Portugal, Eotetranychus lewisi (Acari: Tetranychidae - EU Annexes) had so far only been recorded from Madeira (EPPO RS 2020/246). The NPPO of Portugal recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first detection of the pest in continental Portugal. As a result of a national official survey, the presence of E. lewisi was detected in Algarve region (Loulé county), on leaves of two Euphorbia pulcherrima plants in a flower bed in a private yard. The identity of the pest was confirmed by the national reference laboratory in cooperation with the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE). Phytosanitary measures will be implemented, including destruction of the infested plants, an intensified survey on any potential host growing in their vicinity and, if necessary, preventive treatments.
The pest status of Eotetranychus lewisi in Portugal is officially declared as: Present, under eradication, only in some parts of the Member State concerned.
Sources
NPPO of Portugal (2021-01).