First findings of Aphis citricidus in Andalucía, Spain
In Spain, Aphis citricidus (Hemiptera: Aphididae - EPPO A2 List) was first recorded in 2002 and has been reported in Northern Spain in the autonomous communities of Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia, and País Vasco (EPPO RS 2010/058, RS 2010/084). The NPPO of Spain informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first findings in Southern Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalucía:
Seville province
In December 2024, a private citizen reported the presence of A. citricidus on bitter orange trees (Citrus aurantium) within María Luisa Park in Sevilla city. The finding was officially confirmed in December 2024.
Cádiz province
During official surveys in July 2025, A. citricidus was identified in four citrus plots in the municipality of Los Barrios on orange trees (Citrus х aurantium var. sinensis) trees. A demarcated area has been established.
Málaga province
In May 2026, as part of the Citrus Phytosanitary Surveillance Plan, A. citricidus was detected in the municipality of Estepona in a sentinel citrus farm on orange trees (Citrus х aurantium var. sinensis). The pest was identified by morphological tests in June 2026 by the Plant Production and Health Laboratory of Almería. Surveys are being conducted to delimit the area where the pest occurs.
Eradication measures have been applied including application of plant protection products, removal and destruction of infested plant material, pest trapping, and cleaning of machinery and vehicles.
The pest status of Aphis citricidus in Spain is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned.
Sources
NPPO of Spain (2025-01, 2025-07, 2026-07).