Scientists and farmers from both sides of the line need to work together to protect the island’s trees from invasive species, Greek Cypriot co-chairman of the bicommunal environmental committee Michalis Loizidis said on Tuesday.

“The committee is focusing on coordinating actions to address diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms in crops, such as citrus fruits, and various species of Cypriot flora. Such issues can only be solved if they are addressed throughout the entire area of Cyprus,” he said.

Scientists from the two communities are now set to form teams and coordinate actions to provide solutions to address the problem throughout Cyprus 

Two Greek Cypriots and two Turkish Cypriots of the committee will act as links between scientists and the areas in which the measures will be implemented, mapping their results, Loizides said.

Two of the four officers will specialise in issues related to forest areas and the other two in issues related to agricultural crops.

He was speaking as problems with alien species have already caused problems to prickly pears and pine trees while worries have been expressed for citrus trees.

The invasive pathogens rapidly spread and infect plants, creating a problem for both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, which will now be brought together to coordinate actions needed for an effective and swift solution.

Prickly pear trees that have been affected in the eastern and central regions of Cyprus, so far, Loizides said while no cases have been identified in the Limassol district or further west.

A prickly pear that has been destroyed by the mealy bug

The department of agriculture’s Lyssandros Lyssandrides said the pseudococcus responsible is actually indigenous to Mexico, but came to Cyprus in 2016, probably from Africa. It was first found in the Famagusta area in the north.

“The problem is that the insect creates a cotton-like wax that protects it [which is] very toxic for natural predators, mainly insects, which could otherwise fight it and bring equilibrium to nature,” Lyssandrides said.

When people locate the insect, they should cut off the affected pads and bury them or they could spray them with water in high pressure which can include liquid soap and/or alcohol, making the insects fall to the ground.

Loizides said microorganisms also affect pumpkins and palm trees and Loizides said that if this situation keeps on going within a few years all palm trees may disappear from the island.

In a similar way, Cyprus’ citrus trees are under threat if a parasite carried by a sap-sucking bug thought to have found its way to the island last year through compost in travellers’ luggage is detected.

The bacterium has not yet been located in Cyprus, but the discovery of its vector makes it a threat.

“With the detection of the Asian citrus psyllid in Cyprus last year, the department of agriculture is on high alert to prevent the entry of the most devastating citrus disease worldwide, the citrus greening bacterium, commonly known as HLB,” Dr Anthemis Melifronidou Pantelidou said.

She said since the first detection of the psyllid, the department has employed an action plan aiming at its eradication.

“It is urgent to stop the spread of these pathogens before the problem reaches such an extent that the EU takes action by taking measures and imposing an exclusion for the Cypriot species that have been affected,” Loizidis stressed.

Meanwhile, pine trees can be destroyed by the pine processionary caterpillar which leaves it bare but not dead, looking like it has been set on fire.

Pine forests in Cyprus have been severely affected by the caterpillar this year, with large swathes of forested land in the mountains looking like they have been hit by a fire. Measures in the north are underway to spray trees and protect them.

The bicommunal committee has introduced beneficial insects and/or microorganisms, with which it hopes it can use nature to eradicate the alien pests.

“Careful study and coordinated action are needed to be truly effective,” Loizides said.