First report of Diaphorina citri in Israel
The NPPO of Israel recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first report of Diaphorina citri (vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ - Hemiptera: Liviidae, EPPO A1 List) on its territory. During a routine survey conducted in August 2021, D. citri was observed on trees of Citrus reticulata and Citrus sinensis, in groves within a limited area, in the Hefer Valley region of the Sharon plain in Central Israel. The identification of the psyllid was confirmed by morphological and molecular analysis. The entry pathway is unknown, though illicit import of prohibited plant material is suspected as there is no regulated import that could allow the entry of this pest in Israel.
Psyllids were sampled and tested for presence of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (associated with huanglongbing – EPPO A1 List) using a Taqman multiplex real-time PCR. The pathogen was not detected in collected psyllids. Additionally, all host trees in the area of infestation were surveyed for symptoms of huanglongbing and no symptomatic trees were detected. Samples were taken from asymptomatic host trees in the area infested with D. citri and tested by Taqman multiplex real-time PCR. ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ was not detected in the plant samples.
Phytosanitary measures are being implemented to eradicate the pest in the infested area. In addition surveys are conducted in citrus groves in the vicinity of the infested area, as well as in the rest of the country, to ensure the absence of any new outbreak. Citrus growers have been instructed to report any new detection of the pest or any suspicious symptoms in citrus trees.
The pest status of Diaphorina citri in Israel is officially declared as: Transient (only in one location), actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Israel (2022-02).