The risks assessment of Aceria kuko (Kishida) and Halyomorpha halys (Stal) pests for the Romanian goji growers

The present study aims to identify the phytosanitary risk and the dissemination pathways of two new pests, Aceria kuko (the goji gall mite) and Halyomorpha halys (the brown marmorated stink bug), which both destroyed the goji production in the experimental field of University of Agronomic Science and Veterinary Medicine from Bucharest in 2016. The A. kuko mite was mentioned for the first time in Romania in 2013, while the H. halys stink bug in 2015. Both pests were first time recorded in Europe in 2007, the goji gall mite being illegally imported in UK, via Netherlands from China by orders by mail, while the marmorated stink bug was first time identified around the city of Zürich in Switzerland. Although the import from third countries into the European Union of Solanaceae intended for planting is prohibited according to Dir. 2000/29/EC, the parcels ordered by mail and the packaging used for different products escape the pest and disease control services. Our field observations regarding the attack frequency, attack intensity and the losses indicate that the non-native pests are a potential threat for Romania, although no attention has been given to them until the present moment. We consider that monitoring the presence of the goji gall mite in the Romanian Goji plantations and research concerning the changes in the A. kuko`s and H. halys biology has a strategic importance and should be regarded as a biosafety measure not only for Romania, but for entire Europe, as the Goji fruits produced in Romania are mainly exported to the European countries. In the same time, in 2015 and 2016, H. halys produced major damages not only to goji, but also to corn, vegetables and some fruit species and also become a nuisance pest in the residential area of Bucharest. Special control measures are demanded by the citizens