First distribution records of the quarantine mite pest Oligonychus perditus (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Europe

ABSTRACT

The spider mite species Oligonychus perditus Pritchard and Baker 1955 (Acari: Tetranychidae) is native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, where it has been reported as a pest of Juniperus spp. and some other conifer plants (Cupressaceae). In Europe the species, has been repeatedly intercepted on imported juniper plants. The EPPO has included O. perditus on the A₁ list of pests recommended for regulation as quarantine pests, mostly because its hosts are of importance to the European nursery trade. In a survey conducted in Serbia between 2020 and 2023 O. perditus was found in 16 sampling locations on plants of the genus Juniperus, from the family Cupressaceae, as well as in order 16 sampling locations on plants of the genera Prunus and, Malus from the family Rosaceae. This species was collected on individual trees in backyards, gardens, and orchards, as well as in ruderal habitats. Populations of O. perditus were small and without economic impact. Introduction of this species into Serbia is probably a consequence of insufficient quarantine measures and relatively loose afforestation rules.

KEYWORDS:

• Spider mites
• Juniperus sp.
• conifers
• Serbia

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Ministry of Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, [Grant No. 451-03-66/2024-03/200214].