New record of Aleurocanthus spiniferus in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the citrus spiny whitefly Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae – EPPO A2 List) was first found in citrus potted plants in February 2022 and eradicated (EPPO RS 2022/229). The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of a new finding of A. spiniferus.
Following the notification of an interception by a non-EU country in May 2026, A. spiniferus was found on ornamental plants of Eriobotrya japonica in a greenhouse in Limburg province (Zuid-Nederland region), where the plants originated. The identity of the pest was confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory of the Netherlands. During visual inspections in the two greenhouses (1.4 and 0.6 ha) of the company, pupae of A. spiniferus were found on Citrus sp. (Citrus sinensis, Citrus x limon, Citrus paradisi, Citrus x bergamia) and Poncirus trifoliata. All infested plants were incinerated. Sticky traps were placed in the greenhouse for further monitoring.
In June 2026, adults of A. spiniferus were caught on the traps, as well as specimens of Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO A2 List) and S. aurantii (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO A1 List). The pests were identified by morphological and molecular testing. Adults of A. spiniferus were also found on Rhaphiolepis indica and R. umbellata plants. No Scirtothrips specimens were found on plants.
Traceability investigations showed that the infested plants originated from another EU Member State and that other EU Member States had received plants related to this outbreak. These Member States will be informed.
Official phytosanitary measures have been applied including prevention of movement of plants outside of the greenhouses, incineration of the infested plants, specific management of plant waste, and application of plant protection products on the remaining plants. Absence of pests is monitored with traps.
The pest status of Aleurocanthus spiniferus in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
The pest status of Scirtothrips dorsalis and Scirtothrips aurantii in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2026-07). https://english.nvwa.nl/documents/plant-health/pest-reporting/documents/pest-report-aleurocanthus-spiniferus-scirtothrips-dorsalis-and-scirtothrips-aurantii-june-2026