First report of Zaprionus tuberculatus in Algeria
Zaprionus tuberculatus (Diptera: Drosophilidae – formerly EPPO Alert List) is first reported from Algeria. The pest was found in fig (Ficus carica) fruits collected from orchards in the municipalities of Birtouta and Rouiba (province of Algiers, Northern Algeria). Zaprionus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae – formerly EPPO Alert List) was also recorded for the first time in figs in Algeria. It had previously only been found in pomegranate in this country (EPPO RS 2021/166). Both species were identified by morphological and molecular tests. Algeria is a major fig producer.
Sources
Abdelbaki L, Saidi-Touati M, Serrano C, Yassin A, Boutellis A (2024) New haplotypes of Zaprionus tuberculatus and Zaprionus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) identified in fig orchards in Algeria. Oriental Insects 59(2), 326-339.