Update on the situation of Unaspis citri in the Azores
In Portugal, Unaspis citri (Hemiptera: Diaspididae, EPPO A1 List) was known to occur in São Miguel Island in the Azores (EPPO RS 1999/037) and was first detected in October 2022 in Santa Maria Island (RS 2023/132) and Faial and Graciosa islands in 2023 (RS 2024/011).
The NPPO of Portugal recently provided an update on the situation following surveys conducted in 2024.
- Graciosa Island
U. citri has been found for the first time in Guadalupe parish. This increases the size of the infested area as it had only previously been found in two parishes (Santa Cruz de Graciosa and São Mateus) on Graciosa Island (RS 2024/011).
- São Jorge Island
U. citri was detected for the first time on São Jorge island in November 2024 on a Citrus x aurantium var. sinensis plant in a small orchard in Santo Antão parish.
- Terceira Island
U. citri was detected for the first time on Terceira Island in November 2024 in six samples of Citrus sp. and Citrus x limon plants from small orchards in four parishes in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo.
The origins of the infestations are not known. In all cases, surveys will be intensified on the islands.
The pest status of U. citri in Portugal is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned.
Sources
NPPO of Portugal (2025-06).