First record of Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (hem.: Psyllidae) on Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia introduced Eucalyptus spp. in 1895. The most widely planted Eucalyptus species in Ethiopia include E. camaldulensis, E. globulus, E. grandis and E. saligna. Eucalyptus camaldulensis is widely planted between 1250 and 2800 m above sea level, where warm conditions prevail. In recent years, insect infestation has occurred in this species. The aim of this study was to identify the causative agent of this infestation in central Ethiopia. It was found that Glycaspis brimblecombei infested leaves of E. camaldulensis for the first time in our study areas. So far, no infestation of G. brimblecombei has occurred in other Eucalyptus species. In addition to the regular reconnaissance survey on existence and dissemination of G. brimblecombei infestation to other host Eucalyptus spp., the situation strongly urges the country to introduce and employ biological control agents against this threat to the plantations of E. camaldulensis in Ethiopia in order to avoid substantial economic losses to Eucalyptus growers in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]