The purpose of this paper is to report the presence of a new pest on the territory of Romania. The new species identified is Aphis nerii (Boyer de Fonscolombe, 1841), also known as oleander aphid or milkweed aphid, is included in the Order Hemiptera, Suborder Sternorrhyncha, Family Aphididae. The origin of the species is uncertain, although it is attributed as an area of origin the Mediterranean Basin, considered the area of origin of its main host plant (Oleander - Nerium oleander). Aphis nerii is a cosmopolitan species (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Australia-Oceania, South America. Milkweed aphids are also present on the European continent, being a relatively new species, most reports being recorded after 2013. The presence of milkweed aphid in Europe can be associated with the introduction of the invasive species Asclepias syriaca. Aphis nerii is a polyphagous species, attacking ornamental, cultivated and spontaneous plant species from 19 families (Apocynaceae, Fabaceae, Caricaceae, Crassulaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Solanaceae, Rutaceae, Compositae, Convolvulaceae, Vitaceae, etc.). The observations made on the Romanian territory, in 2020, highlighted the presence of the species Aphis nerii on the plants of Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed). The damage caused by aphid milkweed is expressed by the qualitative depreciation of the plants, delays of the plant growth, the production of honey dew and improving the occurrence of phytopathogenic fungi. The information presented, regarding polyphagism and damages caused by Aphis nerii, is enough to conclude that it is necessary to study this species in Romania, to establish the spread, host plants, damages caused and as well to investigate proper control methods.

Aphis nerii, Asclepias syriaca, pest, first reporting

biology

Presentation: None