First report of Diaphorina citri in Greece
In the EPPO region, the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ - Hemiptera: Psyllidae - EPPO A1 List) was first reported in Israel in 2022 (EPPO RS 2022/032), and in Cyprus in 2023 (RS 2023/178). It is under official control in both countries.
D. citri was recently first reported from Greece. It was detected on the Island of Rhodes at the end of August 2026.
The insect was caught in traps placed in a citrus orchard within the framework of annual official surveys. The identity of the pest was confirmed by the Benaki Phytopathological Institute. Eradication measures are applied and surveillance will be intensified on the island. A communication campaign is conducted to raise awareness of professionals.
The pest status of Diaphorina citri in Greece is officially declared as: Present, only on the island of Rhodes, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Greece (2026-09).
General directorate of Agricultural economy and development (Region of Crete) Πρώτη εμφάνιση της ασιατικής ψύλλας των εσπεριδοειδών (Diaphorina citri) στην Ελλάδα (First appearance of the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) in Greece). Press release (2026-09-09). https://geoteepk-gr/proti-emfanisi-tis-asiatikis-psyllas-ton-esperidoeidon-diaphorina-citri-stin-ellada
Phytoma (2026-09-18) Diaphorina citri alcanza Grecia. https://phytoma.com/noticias/diaphorina-citri-alcanza-grecia