A study documents the presence of the carob and caper mosquito in Mallorca
The symbiotic fungus associated with this insect and several parasitoids have also been identified, which could play a key role in the biological control of the pest.
PalmThe Balearic Islands Institute for Agrifood and Fisheries Research and Training (IRFAP) has presented the publication of the first study documenting the presence in Mallorca of the carob and caper mosquito (Asphondylia gennadii) and the damage it causes.
The work, by researcher Joan Rallo i Garcia, recognized with the Ramon Llull prize for his scientific career, documents for the first time the presence, biology and life cycle of the mosquito on the island, as well as the plants it uses as refuge, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment reported in a statement.
The study also details the damage caused to carob trees and caper bushes by the interaction with other species, such as the caper fly (Capparimyia savastaniThe symbiotic fungus associated with this insect and several parasitoids have also been identified, which could play a key role in the biological control of the pest. The author explained that the search arose by chance when he decided to plant hermaphroditic carob seeds on his farm. "One day I noticed that the leaves were damaged. I sent the samples to the Regional Ministry and the laboratory confirmed the presence of an insect and three parasitoids," he detailed regarding the clues that began the study.
The mosquito Asphondylia gennadii It is an emerging pest in the Balearic Islands, impacting carob trees and cork oak groves. The results highlight the need to continue investigating its life cycle, distribution, and possible management measures, especially in the context of climate change, which can affect the flowering and fruiting patterns of the plants the insect infests, and due to the presence of invasive species that can compete with the mosquito or disrupt the ecological balance.
