Streamlining the Identification of the Orange Spiny Whitefly, Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), with Real-Time PCR Probe Technology

Domenico Rizzo, Claudia Gabriela Zubieta, Michela Moriconi, Marco Carli, Andrea Marrucci, Chiara Ranaldi, Bruno Palmigiano, Linda Bartolini, Feliciana Pica, Carmela Carbone, Giuseppe Eros Massimino Cocuzza and Francesco Nugnes ()
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Domenico Rizzo: Laboratory of Phytopathological Diagnostics and Molecular Biology, Plant Protection Service of Tuscany, Via Ciliegiole 99, 51100 Pistoia, Italy
Claudia Gabriela Zubieta: Laboratory of Phytopathological Diagnostics and Molecular Biology, Plant Protection Service of Tuscany, Via Ciliegiole 99, 51100 Pistoia, Italy
Michela Moriconi: Laboratory of Phytopathological Diagnostics and Molecular Biology, Plant Protection Service of Tuscany, Via Ciliegiole 99, 51100 Pistoia, Italy
Marco Carli: Laboratory of Phytopathological Diagnostics and Molecular Biology, Plant Protection Service of Tuscany, Via Ciliegiole 99, 51100 Pistoia, Italy
Andrea Marrucci: Laboratory of Phytopathological Diagnostics and Molecular Biology, Plant Protection Service of Tuscany, Via Ciliegiole 99, 51100 Pistoia, Italy
Chiara Ranaldi: Laboratory of Phytopathological Diagnostics and Molecular Biology, Plant Protection Service of Tuscany, Via Ciliegiole 99, 51100 Pistoia, Italy
Bruno Palmigiano: Laboratory of Phytopathological Diagnostics and Molecular Biology, Plant Protection Service of Tuscany, Via Ciliegiole 99, 51100 Pistoia, Italy
Linda Bartolini: Laboratory of Phytopathological Diagnostics and Molecular Biology, Plant Protection Service of Tuscany, Via Ciliegiole 99, 51100 Pistoia, Italy
Feliciana Pica: Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP)—CNR, P.le Enrico Fermi 1, 80055 Portici, Italy
Carmela Carbone: Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP)—CNR, P.le Enrico Fermi 1, 80055 Portici, Italy
Giuseppe Eros Massimino Cocuzza: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
Francesco Nugnes: Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP)—CNR, P.le Enrico Fermi 1, 80055 Portici, Italy

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-12

Abstract: Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Quaintance) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) has rapidly spread, mainly in the central and eastern Mediterranean coastal area, infesting various new host plants alongside known ones. This invasive species poses a significant threat to agricultural ecosystems, necessitating urgent action to monitor and control outbreaks in previously pest-free areas. While entomological and morphological recognitions are crucial for initial detection, challenges often arise in quickly identifying different developmental stages or genus-level distinctions, particularly in surveys conducted by personnel with limited entomological skills. Due to these challenges, a qPCR probe protocol was developed to enhance the diagnostic capacity of laboratories responsible for the territorial control of pests. This biomolecular tool integrates morphological surveys, enabling prompt and reliable proof of A. spiniferus presence in free areas, delimited territories, or during phytosanitary import inspections. The protocol’s high analytical specificity, inclusivity, and exclusivity ensure accurate identification of A. spiniferus , while its low limit of detection and high repeatability and reproducibility reinforce its utility as a standardized diagnostic method. By facilitating prompt and targeted control efforts, this innovative approach strengthens the resilience of agricultural systems against the widespread threat of A. spiniferus infestations.

Keywords: early detection; invasive pest; molecular diagnostics; prompt diagnosis; Spiny Blackfly (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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