Aceria kuko Mites: a Comprehensive Review of Their Phytosanitary Risk, Pathways and Control

Abstract

The present review aims to identify the phytosanitary risk, the dissemination pathways and the possible control methods of Aceria kuko, the goji-berries gall mite, which was imported to Europe from China via orders by mail in 2007. Despite the first eradicative measures taken by the UK in 2008 and Germany in 2011, the pest was found again in Germany (2012), in Slovenia (2012), in Cyprus (2013), in Romania (2013), in Hungary (2014) and in Serbia (2015). Although the import of Solanaceae intended for planting is prohibited in Europe, the parcels ordered by mail escape the pest and disease control services. Our field observations regarding the attack frequency, attack intensity and the losses indicate that Aceria kuko is a potential threat for goji growers. Monitoring the presence of the mite in the Romanian Goji plantations should therefore be regarded as a biosafety measure not only for Romania, but for entire Europe.

First record of Aceria kuko in Slovakia

“…kuko could represent a serious risk not only to goji plants, but also to several other important crops from the family Solanaceae (especially sweet pepper). In extreme cases, a severe infestation can result up to a 100% fruit production loss of the goji berries if all the flower buds are distorted by galls (Ciceoi & Mardare 2016). Therefore, the responsible phytosanitary institution in Slovakia -Central Control and Testing Institute in Agriculture (CCTIA) was informed about the confirmed occurrence of this mite species in Vyšná Kamenica.…”

“…As goji berries are becoming more popular in Slovakia, there is an increasing risk of other future introductions of Aceria kuko with imported plants. Like in other Central European countries, the main threat of spreading this mite species lies in the uncontrolled trade with host plants and insufficient phytosanitary measures (Ciceoi & Mardare 2016;Hrudová & Šafránková 2018). It is recommended to carefully check such plants for the occurrence of typical blisters.…”

Genomic Analysis of Romanian Lycium Genotypes: Exploring BODYGUARD Genes for Stress Resistance Breeding

“…In contrast, production in North America and Europe is limited due to a lack of traditional use, knowledge, and adapted varieties [34][35][36][37]. Romania has emerged as a significant producer of goji berries [38], also focusing on plant material for cultivation [39], with a market that is showing a rising trend [40]. Especially in the difficult context of climate change constraints, goji berry planting material which has adapted to local conditions is required by European farmers.…”

Goji berry gall mite Aceria kuko occurrence in the Czech Republic - short communication

“…In the European Union, the presence of A. kuko was confirmed for the first time in 2008, then it was intercepted in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and in Germany (EPPO 2011). In Greece and Slovenia its occurrence was reported in 2012 by Ciceoi and Mardare (2016), in 2015 in Hungary by Ripka et al (2015), and in Romania by Chireceanu et al (2015).…”