S14 - Session O5 - The spread of the cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis in the Mediterranean continues in Tunisia

Authors: Michele Ricupero *, Khaled Abbes, Ahlem Harbi, Takwa Wanassi, Antonio Biondi, Gaetana Mazzeo, Agatino Russo, Lucia Zappalà, Brahim Chermiti

In the era of globalization and climate change, biological invasions pose a continuous threat to the sustainability of agricultural production causing cascade negative impacts. Among horticultural crops, solanaceous systems have economic relevance in the Mediterranean region and their production is consistently threatened by new emerging pests and diseases. Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a polyphagous mealybug native to America that invaded the Asian continent becoming one of the major pests in cotton cultivations. This invasive species has been also recorded in several Mediterranean countries, including three European member states over the past few years. After being recently recorded in Italy, we report the presence of P. solenopsis in Tunisia. The identity of the species was determined based on morphological features and amplification of DNA portion of MT-CO1 gene. This is the first record of P. solenopsis attacking Lantana camara used for ornamental purposes in Tunisia and may represent a risk for solanaceous production in the country. The new record of P. solenopsis in Tunisia suggests that surveillance and control measures are urgently needed to limit its spread. Pest identification, its phytosanitary status, possible implications and control measures are discussed.