May 2005. a new whitefly for the Federated States of Micronesia. The pupae of the whitefly are yellow to light brown and oval in shape. The eggs are laid in circles. The host is an ornamental, Ixora.

A very similar looking whitefly was seen during the SPC/CSIRO/ACIAR Pacific-wide whitefly survey in 1996/1997, but it was not sure where it was found. The ‘circular’ pattern of egg distribution is very noticeable.

It was identified as Aleurotrachelus trachoides, and in a later message (3241) it was reported to be severe on kava (Piper methysticum), capsicum and an ornamental (Duranta erecta) in Pohnpei, FSM.

Palau noted, Duranta erecta (golden bush, pigeonberry), of the plants hardest hit by this whitefly, is listed in both southern Florida, USA, and northern Queensland, Australia, as an invasive plant. This plant has become very popular as a landscape plant in Palau, and the member was concerned that local birds may learn to eat its fruit and begin spreading it into native ecosystems. It is quite shade tolerant and spreads by root suckers as well as seeds, so it could easily establish in forest understory.

In the CABI Crop Protection Compendium, Encarsia formosa is listed as a natural enemy to A. trachoides.

However, locally no parasitism of the whitefly has been found, so FSM is considering the introduction of E. formosa. Information on this parasitoid was requested, as well as a culture.

A note from FAO: this type of information would be necessary for the risk analysis that is needed before the import of this biocontrol agent. ISPM #3 (Guidelines for the export, shipment, import and release of biological control agents and other beneficial organisms) has been revised and can be found at https://www.ippc.int/id/76047?language=en. This international standard now includes guidelines “organisms deemed to be beneficial” (as per IPPC) and those produced through the SIT process, and it has been brought in-line with both the IPPC (1997) and the SPS Agreement. The initial ISPM was adopted before these agreements were effective.