{"id":1461,"date":"2016-01-15T15:15:58","date_gmt":"2016-01-15T23:15:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=1461"},"modified":"2022-05-16T09:50:57","modified_gmt":"2022-05-16T16:50:57","slug":"macrohomotoma-gladiata-kuwayama-curtain-fig-psyllid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=1461","title":{"rendered":"Macrohomotoma gladiata (Kuwayama) | Curtain Fig Psyllid"},"content":{"rendered":"
California Pest Rating for<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em><\/strong> (Kuwayama): Curtain Fig Psyllid<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Hemiptera: Psyllidae<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Pest Rating: B<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\n
PEST RATING PROFILE<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Initiating Event: <\/strong><\/h5>\n

On August 28, 2015 Dr. Alessandra Rung identified psyllids collected in a nursery in Orange County as Macrohomotoma<\/em> cf. gladiata<\/em>.\u00a0 A pest rating proposal is required to assign a permanent pest rating.<\/p>\n

History & Status:<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Background<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> is a psyllid that feeds on the new shoots of several varieties of ornamental Ficus<\/em> trees1<\/sup>.\u00a0 Adult psyllids lay eggs on new leaves of twigs and withered bracts1<\/sup>.\u00a0 As the nymphs feed shoots become deformed, stop developing, and eventually die1<\/sup>.\u00a0 Leaves become covered in white waxy secretions which facilitate the development of sooty-mold2<\/sup>.\u00a0 The main hosts of the psyllid are curtain fig (Ficus microcarpa<\/em>) and Cuban-laurel (Ficus retusa<\/em>)1<\/sup>.\u00a0 There are also questionable records from Indian banyan (Ficus benghalensis<\/em>) and rusty-leaf fig (Ficus microphylla<\/em>)1<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

Worldwide Distribution<\/u><\/strong>: Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> is native to China, Taiwan, and Japan where it is not considered to be a pest1<\/sup>.\u00a0 It was first found in Europe in the Balearic Islands in 2009 where it emerged as a pest and has since spread to mainland Spain (2010) and Italy (2011)1<\/sup>.\u00a0 It has not previously been found in North or South America.<\/p>\n

Official Control<\/u><\/strong>: Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> is not known to be under official control in any other states or nations.<\/p>\n

California Distribution<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> has been found at several residential and commercial properties in Anaheim, Orange County feeding on curtain fig (Ficus microcarpa<\/em>).<\/p>\n

California Interceptions<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> has been found in four nurseries in Orange County feeding on Ficus microcarpa<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The risk Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> (curtain fig psyllid) would pose to California is evaluated below.<\/p>\n

Consequences of Introduction:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h5>\n

1) Climate\/Host Interaction<\/span>:<\/strong> Ficus microcarpa<\/em> is a popular ornamental that grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11, corresponding with much of the San Joaquin Valley, Coastal, and Southern California. Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> is expected to be able to establish throughout these regions wherever suitable host plants are found.\u00a0 It receives a High (3) <\/strong><\/span>in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California.\u00a0 Score:<\/p>\n

– Low (1)<\/strong> Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.<\/p>\n

– Medium (2)<\/strong> may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.<\/p>\n

– High (3)<\/strong> likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.<\/span><\/p>\n

2) Known Pest Host Range<\/span>:<\/strong> Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> is only known to feed on several varieties of Ficus<\/em> trees and receives a Low (1)<\/strong><\/span> in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:<\/p>\n

– Low (1)<\/strong> has a very limited host range.<\/span><\/p>\n

– Medium (2)<\/strong> has a moderate host range.<\/p>\n

– High (3)<\/strong> has a wide host range.<\/p>\n

3) Pest Dispersal Potential<\/span>:<\/strong> Psyllids have high reproductive rates and can disperse locally by flying.\u00a0 They may also be transported long distances when infested plants or leaves are moved or by hitchhiking on clothing, equipment, or animals.\u00a0 Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> receives a High (3)<\/strong><\/span> in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:<\/p>\n

– Low (1)<\/strong> does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.<\/p>\n

– Medium (2)<\/strong> has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.<\/p>\n

– High (3)<\/strong> has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.<\/span><\/p>\n

4) Economic Impact<\/span>:<\/strong> Ficus microcarpa<\/em> plants are a valuable component of the nursery industry.\u00a0 If Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> were to establish in the environment of California it is likely to lower nursery yields of these plants and increase production costs.\u00a0 Due to the absence of this psyllid from the entirety of North America there could be disruptions to markets for California produced Ficus microcarpa<\/em> nursery stock.\u00a0 Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> receives a High (3)<\/strong><\/span> in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:<\/p>\n

A<\/strong>. \u00a0The pest could lower crop yield.<\/span><\/p>\n

B<\/strong>. \u00a0The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).<\/span><\/p>\n

C<\/strong>. \u00a0The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).<\/span><\/p>\n

D. \u00a0The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.<\/p>\n

E. \u00a0The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.<\/p>\n

F. \u00a0The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.<\/p>\n

G. \u00a0The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.<\/p>\n

– Low (1)<\/strong> causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.<\/p>\n

– Medium (2)<\/strong> causes 2 of these impacts.<\/p>\n

– High (3)<\/strong> causes 3 or more of these impacts.<\/span><\/p>\n

5) Environmental Impact:<\/strong> If Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> were to establish in the environment of California it is not expected to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes.\u00a0 It is not likely to directly affect threatened or endangered species or disrupt critical habitats.\u00a0 Its presence is likely to trigger new chemical treatments in the nursery industry and by residents who find infested plants unsightly.\u00a0 Ficus microcarpa<\/em> trees are widely grown as ornamentals in California and are likely to be significantly impacted by this pest.\u00a0 Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> receives a High (3)<\/strong><\/span> in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.<\/p>\n

A. \u00a0The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.<\/p>\n

B. \u00a0The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.<\/p>\n

C. \u00a0The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.<\/p>\n

D<\/strong>. \u00a0The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

E<\/strong>. \u00a0The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home\/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:<\/p>\n

– Low (1)<\/strong> causes none of the above to occur.<\/p>\n

– Medium (2)<\/strong> causes one of the above to occur.<\/p>\n

– High (3)<\/strong> causes two or more of the above to occur.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consequences of Introduction to California for Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> (Curtain Fig Psyllid):<\/strong>\u00a0 High (13)<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Add up the total score and include it here.<\/p>\n

–Low<\/strong> = 5-8 points<\/p>\n

–Medium<\/strong> = 9-12 points<\/p>\n

–High<\/strong> = 13-15 points<\/span><\/p>\n

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information<\/span>:<\/strong> Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> has only been found in the environment of Orange County and receives a Low (-1)<\/strong><\/span> in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the known distribution in California. Only official records identified by a taxonomic expert and supported by voucher specimens deposited in natural history collections should be considered. Pest incursions that have been eradicated, are under eradication, or have been delimited with no further detections should not be included.<\/p>\n

–Not established (0)<\/strong> Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.<\/p>\n

–Low (-1)<\/strong> Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate\/host area (region).<\/span><\/p>\n

–Medium (-2)<\/strong> Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate\/host areas.<\/p>\n

–High (-3)<\/strong> Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate\/host areas.<\/p>\n

Final Score:<\/h5>\n

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (12) <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Uncertainty: <\/strong><\/h5>\n

There have not been any recent surveys for this psyllid in California, so it may be more widespread.\u00a0 Over the last three years many new Ficus pests have been found in southern California including Ficus whitefly (Singhiella simplex<\/em>), ficus eye-spot midge (Horidiplosis ficifolii<\/em>), and Cuban-laurel thrips (Gynaikothrips uzeli<\/em>).\u00a0 It is possible that new treatments that are already necessary for these other new pests will preclude some of the economic and environmental impacts from additional new pests such as Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em>.\u00a0 <\/strong>Alternatively, the psyllid might have a larger host range in California than has been documented elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Conclusion and Rating Justification: <\/strong><\/h5>\n

Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> has been found in the environment of Orange County and is likely to have significant economic and environmental impacts as it expands its range in the state.\u00a0 A \u201cB\u201d-rating in justified.<\/p>\n

References:<\/strong><\/h5>\n

1<\/sup> Pedata, Paolo Alfonso, Daniel Burckhardt, and Donato Mancini. 2012. Severe infestations of the jumping plant-louse Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em>, a new species for Italy in urban Ficus plantations.\u00a0 Bulletin of Insectology 65(1): 95-98. http:\/\/www.bulletinofinsectology.org\/pdfarticles\/vol65-2012-095-098pedata.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

2<\/sup> Mifsud, D. and F. Porcelli. 2012. The psyllid Macrohomotoma gladiata<\/em> Kuwayama, 1908 (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Homotomidae): a Ficus pest recently introduced in the EPPO region.\u00a0 EPPO Bulletin 42(1): 161-164. http:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/j.1365-2338.2012.02544.x\/abstract<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
Responsible Party:<\/h5>\n

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.<\/p>\n

\n
Comment Format:<\/h5>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s)\u00a0being commented on, as shown below.<\/p>\n

Example Comment:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Consequences of Introduction: \u00a01. Climate\/Host Interaction:\u00a0[Your comment that relates to \u201cClimate\/Host Interaction\u201d here.<\/em>]<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Comments may not be posted if they:<\/p>\n

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to\u00a0the pest rating proposal;<\/p>\n

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic,\u00a0sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal\u00a0material;<\/p>\n

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms\u00a0of discrimination;<\/p>\n

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the\u00a0website to be viewed, not just submitted.<\/p>\n

\n

Pest Rating: B<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

Posted by ls<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

California Pest Rating for Macrohomotoma gladiata (Kuwayama): Curtain Fig Psyllid Hemiptera: Psyllidae Pest Rating: B PEST RATING PROFILE Initiating Event: On August 28, 2015 Dr. Alessandra Rung identified psyllids collected in a nursery in Orange County as Macrohomotoma cf. gladiata.\u00a0 A pest rating proposal is required to assign a permanent pest rating. History & Status: … Continue reading Macrohomotoma gladiata (Kuwayama) | Curtain Fig Psyllid<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[18,5],"tags":[256,52,253,257,255],"class_list":["post-1461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-hemiptera","category-entomology","tag-curtain-fig-psyllid","tag-insects-and-mites","tag-invertibrate","tag-macrohomotoma-gladiata","tag-psyllidae"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5l8vQ-nz","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2721,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=2721","url_meta":{"origin":1461,"position":0},"title":"Trioza brevigenae Mathur: Ficus Leaf-rolling Psyllid","author":"Jason Leathers","date":"October 13, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating for Trioza brevigenae Mathur: Ficus Leaf-rolling Psyllid Hemiptera: Triozidae Pest Rating: \u00a0B PEST RATING PROFILE Initiating Event: On August 10, 2016 Dr. Alessandra Rung identified a sample of psyllids collected in Carson (Los Angeles County) as Trioza brevigenae, Ficus leaf-rolling psyllid.\u00a0 On August 25, 2016 USDA National\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Hemiptera"","block_context":{"text":"Hemiptera","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=18"},"img":{"alt_text":"38058-FRLP-PhotobyDonald.R.Hodel-UCCE-web","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/38058-FRLP-PhotobyDonald.R.Hodel-UCCE-web.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7840,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=7840","url_meta":{"origin":1461,"position":1},"title":"Aphalara itadori (Shinji): a psyllid","author":"Kyle Beucke","date":"December 7, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating Profile for Aphalara itadori (Shinji): a psyllidPest Rating: D DOWNLOAD PEST RATING Profile *NOTE: You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at permits[@]cdfa.ca.gov. posted by ta","rel":"","context":"In "D-Rated"","block_context":{"text":"D-Rated","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=673"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12603,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=12603","url_meta":{"origin":1461,"position":2},"title":"Acizzia conspicua (Tuthill): a psyllid","author":"Kyle Beucke","date":"May 7, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating Profile for Acizzia conspicua (Tuthill): a psyllidPest Rating: C download pest rating profile *NOTE You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at permits[@]cdfa.ca.gov. Posted by tn","rel":"","context":"In "C-Rated"","block_context":{"text":"C-Rated","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=671"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":1954,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=1954","url_meta":{"origin":1461,"position":3},"title":"Insects, Mites & Earthworms","author":"Admin","date":"May 13, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Insects and mites are related in that their skeletons are on the outside (Phyllum: Arthropoda), but differ in that adult insects have six legs and adult mites have eight.\u00a0 Both groups can be beneficial, neutral or destructive to their environment.\u00a0 Like nematodes, they can cause yearly losses in the billions\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ratings"","block_context":{"text":"Ratings","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=333"},"img":{"alt_text":"Insects and Mites Banner","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/insects-and-mites-featured-image.jpg?fit=1038%2C588&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/insects-and-mites-featured-image.jpg?fit=1038%2C588&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/insects-and-mites-featured-image.jpg?fit=1038%2C588&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/insects-and-mites-featured-image.jpg?fit=1038%2C588&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14268,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=14268","url_meta":{"origin":1461,"position":4},"title":"Ceroplastes rusci (Linnaeus): Fig wax scale","author":"Kyle Beucke","date":"December 4, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating Profile for Ceroplastes rusci (Linnaeus): Fig wax scale Pest Rating: B Comment Period: 12\/04\/2025 \u2013 01\/18\/2026 Download Pest Rating Profiile *NOTE You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "B-Rated"","block_context":{"text":"B-Rated","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=670"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":3052,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=3052","url_meta":{"origin":1461,"position":5},"title":"Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum Liefting, Perez-Egusquiza & Clover, 2009","author":"Admin","date":"December 8, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating for Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum Liefting, Perez-Egusquiza & Clover, 2009\u00a0 Pest Rating: B PEST RATING PROFILE Initiating Event: None.\u00a0 The risk of entry and establishment of Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum in California is assessed and a permanent rating is proposed. 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