Update of the situation of Eotetranychus lewisi in Madeira (Portugal)
In Madeira (Portugal), Eotetranychus lewisi (Acari: Tetranychidae - EU A1 quarantine pest) was first observed in Madeira Island in 1988, on poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), and on Vitis sp. in 1990, and found again in 2017-2019 on poinsettia plants in 3 different municipalities (Funchal, Ponta Do Sol and Santa Cruz) (EPPO RS 2020/246). Eradication measures have been applied, and regular surveillance is conducted.
During surveys conducted in 2023 on Madeira Island, the presence of E. lewisi was detected and confirmed in two public sites: one in the municipality of Machico (parish of Porto da Cruz) on the border of the municipality of Santa Cruz, where the pest had already been detected previously, and one in a new parish in the county of Ribeira Brava. Official phytosanitary measures are being implemented aiming at eradication. They include the destruction of the infested plants and preventive treatments in the surrounding areas, as well as the continuation of the restriction of movement of host plants originating in the counties where the pest was found.
The pest status of Eotetranychus lewisi in Portugal is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Portugal (2024-06).