Detection of Eriococcus ironsidei in South Africa

Publication Date

Fri, 06 Oct 2017, 12:17

Last Updated

Oct. 6, 2017, 12:17 p.m.

Report Number

ZAF-37/1

Country

South Africa

Pest Id

Eriococcus ironsidei - (ERIOIR)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

E. ironsidei was only detected on Macadamia spp. (Macadamia integrifolia: Proteaceae), from different varieties, 816 and A16, in the notified area. There is no other host known to be associated with the pest.

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

• Transient: actionable, under surveillance

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: transient

Geographical Distribution

E. ironsidei was detected from an isolated area near the town Barberton, Mpumalanga province, approximately 40 km from Nelspruit.

Summary

E. ironsidei was detected on leaves and branches of the macadamia trees in Mpumalanga province. The sample was collected after random symptom observations, near the town of Barberton in April 2017. The insect species (scales) were positively identified and confirmed by an internationally recognized taxonomist on 09 May 2017.

Surveys in other parts of Mpumalanga are ongoing and more surveys in other provinces of the country will be conducted.

Removal and/or Movement of propagative material from affected nurseries from Mpumalanga province to the rest of the Republic of South Africa is restricted in accordance with the Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (Act No.36 of 1983) to prevent further spread of this pest to other provinces.

Danger

Potential spread or establishment of E. ironsidei from infested areas through host material to other provinces may negatively affect domestic and international trade and export potential of relevant host commodities. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) is continuing with delimiting surveys in production areas, to determine the extent of spread as well as pest status in other parts of South Africa. Phytosanitary measures are implemented to restrict the movement of propagation material from infested areas.

Contact for info

Ms Maria Mafadza, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Private Bag x14 Gezina 0031 Email: [email protected]

Report files

Eriococcus ironsidei pest report

Website

Issue keywords

Delimiting survey National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) Risk Management Surveillance

Commodity keywords