Mandatory Implementation of Phytosanitary Measures to Suppress and Prevent Further Spread of Aleurocanthus spiniferus

In the territory of Ulcinj municipality, a visual inspection of citrus production plantations in Štoje, Zoganje, and Kodra, as well as other plant species nearby, was carried out in late August and early September to monitor the presence of Aleurocanthus spiniferus (the cottony cushion scale). Continuous plant inspections, especially of the underside of leaves, are necessary to detect the presence of the species in areas where it has not yet been recorded and to monitor population development where it has been found. This includes observing adult emergence, egg-laying, and larval pupation, as well as applying protective measures. Inspections should be conducted wherever host plants are present: in production plantations (citrus and other cultivated host plants), on nearby plants, in yards and courtyards, and in other potential occurrence sites such as hotel complexes, city parks, markets, etc. To increase mass trapping and reduce adult insects' migration to host plants, yellow sticky traps should be hung in as many locations as possible, especially in areas where the species has not yet been detected. Monitoring the development stages of the population and vegetative growth, particularly in citrus, is crucial since adults prefer to lay eggs on younger, actively growing leaves. The conclusion emphasizes that implementing all these measures is essential to prevent and control the spread of the species into new areas, especially where citrus plantations dominate or where sporadic presence has been observed.