First report of Ripersiella hibisci in Switzerland
The NPPO of Switzerland recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of the root mealybug Ripersiella hibisci (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae – EPPO A1 List) on its territory. The trace forward surveys related to the outbreak in Italy (EPPO RS 2021/081) identified 50 possibly infested Callistemon plants that had been delivered from Italy to Switzerland (Nordwestschweiz). Many plants had already been sold to end consumers, but three plants could be traced and were still held by the sellers. They were analyzed and all 3 plants were found to be infested by R. hibisci. Efforts are ongoing to trace forward the other plants as quickly as possible.
The pest status of Ripersiella hibisci in Switzerland is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Switzerland (2021-05).