The Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture, after experimental releases of a specific Trioza erytreae parasitoid and confirming the promising nature of the first results, is now launching a national program against this quarantine pest that already affects an important part of the national territory.

Trioza erytreae, in addition to causing direct and significant damage to citrus fruits, is a vector of the disease called Huanglongbing (or Citrus greening), considered the most serious worldwide for these plant species, caused by the bacterium Candidatus liberibacter, whose entry into European territory if you want to avoid it. To reinforce the phytosanitary measures in force since 2014, Ordinance No. 142/2020, of June 17, was published.

The first initiations of the parasitoid took place on August 14, in the North and Central regions of the country.

Today, the Secretary of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Nuno Russo, followed another start, during which he highlighted “the relevance of the reinforced commitment to innovative and sustainable alternatives for the control of quarantine pests and the close collaboration with the Spanish Phytosanitary Products services ”, Also highlighting the work coordinated by the General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Medicine (DGAV), which will be developed in the coming months, in conjunction with the Regional Directorates of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The DGAV will also have the support of various national research teams, specifically in conducting studies to support this biological control program.