First report of Ripersiella maasbachi in Sicilia (Italy)
The NPPO of Italy recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first official report of Ripersiella maasbachi (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on its territory. During an official survey for Ripersiella hibisci (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae – EPPO A1 List) in a nursery located in Milazzo (Province of Messina, Sicilia) in March 2022, potted plants of Camellia japonica infested with Ripersiella sp. were detected. The infested plants showed no symptoms but juvenile and female forms of the insect were detected in the root system, which was in good condition. Phytosanitary measures have been applied to eradicate the pest. In May 2022 the identity of the pest was confirmed to be Ripersiella maasbachi. This species was first described from bonsai plants (Sageretia spp.) from China by Jansen (2003). This is the first report of this unregulated species in Italy.
The pest status of Ripersiella maasbachi in Italy is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2022-05).
Jansen MGM (2003) A new species of Rhizoecus on bonsai trees. Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 146, 297–300.