First record of Aculops fuchsiae in Guernsey
The NPPO of Guernsey recently informed the EPPO Secretariat about the occurrence of Aculops fuchsiae (Acari: Eriophyidae - EPPO A1 List) on the island. A. fuchsiae was confirmed on fuchsia plants from a private garden in the early summer of 2006. Since then it has been found at over 20 private and public sites causing significant damage to a wide range of fuchsia varieties. The outbreaks in Guernsey are not linked and have probably originated from the migration of the mite on pollinating insects (bees and hoverflies) from Bretagne (France) where the pest was confirmed in 2003 (see EPPO RS 2004/001). Information about A. fuchsiae (symptoms and control methods) has been made available at all garden centres. The NPPO has also advised that fuchsia plants and cuttings should not be exchanged locally or taken out of the island. A survey will be carried out in summer 2007 to delimit the extent of the infestation and to give advice on control. However, it is envisaged that the pest will not be eradicated because of its wide distribution in private gardens and its natural transmission by pollinating insects.
The situation of Aculops fuchsiae in Guernsey can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2006, widespread.
Sources
NPPO of Guernsey, 2007-04.