Metcalfa pruinosa Say (insecta: homoptera: flatidae): A new pest in Romania

Abstract

A new invasive species has been detected in Romania in the past two years. The scientific name of this species is Metcalfa pruinosa Say (1830), also known as citrus flatid plant hopper. Its importance as a pest species is assessed it in different ways by specialists. In North America (where the insect comes from) minor damages have been reported, with insignificant economic importance, while in Europe it is considered a very important invasive species, due to its high population density and to its wide range of host plants. Another important aspect is the damage produced by this insect, especially the damage they cause to agricultural plants. Currently, the invasive species is only present in some European countries, but there is a tendency of rapid spread to uninfested areas. A number of studies have been conducted in Europe on M. pruinosa Say, on its distribution, morphology, biology, ecology, mating behaviour, range of host plants and control measures. Because this species has only recently been detected in Romania, the researchers have only begun to monitor it. Actually, isolated research has been run in two places where the insect appeared. That is why we considered it necessary to focus the information related to M. pruinosa Say at a national level, thus promoting the development of a national monitoring system. Another aspect that we want to emphasize in the present paper is the range of host plants, which differs greatly from one country to another, but also from county to county within the same country. We noticed that in the west of Romania the insect feeds on a wide range of host plants (herbaceous or woody, agricultural or ornamental plants). Taking all of the above into consideration, we find it necessary to take measures against its spreading, especially in the areas that have not been infected yet. Until now, the presence of M. pruinosa in Romania has not been mentioned at European level; one of the reasons might be that the phytosanitary quarantine units have not issued any official statement on this matter.

Journal of Plant Protection Research

“…Summarizing, M. pruinosa can pose a real danger, both for ornamental and agricultural plants (Grozea et al 2011). At present, being in the settling period in the city of Warsaw, it is associated mainly with ornamental plants, however, we predict migration of the planthopper outside the city to suburbs and agricultural areas.…”

Occurrence Prediction of the Citrus Flatid Planthopper (Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830)) in South Korea Using a Random Forest Model

“…Two possible routes were proposed for the CFP invasion into South Korea: From North America, which is the origin of the CFP, or from European countries [22], which would imply that the CFP arrived in South Korea through the imports of horticultural nursery stock. Similarly, the possible means of the CFP invasion were mostly by passive transport of the CFP adults or eggs with infested plants of many countries, including the Czech Republic and Romania [55,56]. Guillemaud, et al [57] reported two main factors promoting biological invasion: Human activities and the biological adaptation of species.…”

“…Meanwhile, flight activities of the CFP adults contribute to local dispersal [14,56]. The annual dispersal distance of the CFP was estimated at 0.2-0.5 km in Austria [64].…”

“…The CFP is polyphagous; it has a variety of host plants and can inhabit very different environmental conditions. Therefore, the CFP can damage various types of plants, including ornamental or agricultural plants and herbaceous or woody plants [22,23,56]. It has a high probability of dispersing to new areas with commercial trade and transportation.…”

The Evolution of the Metcalfa Pruinosa, Nezara Viridula and Halyomorpha Halys Species Since the First Reporting in Agroecosystems in Romania

“…In Romania, it was reported for the first time in 2009 in the southeast (Constanța) (Preda & Skolca, 2009) and a few months later in the opposite part, i.e. in the west (Timișoara, Timiș county) (Gogan & Grozea, 2010) expending in other areas (Chireceanu & Gutue, 2011). It is difficult to fight this species, because the nymph stage has some filaments that ensure protection at the same time, but also due to the progressive adaptability to new spaces and plants (Vlad & Grozea, 2016) being adapted to both woody and herbaceous plants (Blidariu et al, 2013), from agricultural areas but also from green areas (Muntean & Grozea, 2021).…”