Pesticides are widely used to protect agricultural products from pests and diseases. Although a strict regulatory framework exists in the EU, concerns about pesticide residues in food are retained among consumers. This study represents the first large sample (N = 1846) attempt to identify the main predictors influencing Greek consumers’ attitude concerning the benefits—risks ratio of pesticide use. After a principal components analysis and a bivariate logistic regression were performed, it was found that Greek consumers express high concerns from pesticide residues in food regarding their loved ones and their own health. At the same time, however, they recognize to a significant extent beneficial contributions of the use of pesticides to food security and the national economy, as well. Several significant predictors of consumer’s attitude towards benefit—risks perception of pesticide use was identified, concerning personal values, pesticide user status, gender, confidence in controlling and certification procedures, and received information. Our results suggest that efforts for risk communication are needed to address food safety issues targeting the general public.
Xylotrechus chinensis belongs to the entomofauna of China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan. Prior to this paper it has been intercepted twice outside its native range, once in Philadelphia (USA) and once in Germany (Europe). In spring 2017, it was detected for the first time in Greece, in Heraklion city (Island of Crete) infesting the trunk of trees of Morus species planted near the harbour of the city. It can thus be hypothesized that X. chinensis was transported from its native range with commodities that are handled in the harbour. Eradication efforts are being taken in order to prevent its further spread, which could threaten several other tree species because X. chinensis attacks a wide range of hosts. This is the first record of this pest from the EPPO region.
In a pot assay, a population of Meloidogyne incognita from Northern Greece, reproduced on the resistant tomato cv. Silvana carrying the Mi gene and on three susceptible pepper cultivars. Its ability to reproduce on the resistant tomato and on pepper cv. California Wonder was sustainable for several generations. Till now, the only resistant breaking population of M. incognita on resistant tomato found in Greece was a distinct one from Crete which did not reproduce on susceptible pepper cultivars. Thus, the population of M. incognita from Northern Greece represents a new type of a resistant breaking pathotype, reported for the first time in the country, and a potential threat for both resistant tomato crops and susceptible peppers in the field.
The olive is one of the most important crops in Greece as in many Mediterranean countries. Several insects are considered serious pests of the olive crop.
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