First record of Anoplophora chinensis in Croatia
In Croatia, a dead beetle of Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A2 List) was found during routine inspections carried out in a nursery in Turanj (near Zadar) in September 2007. In addition to this single specimen, it was found that potted plants of Lagerstroemia and Acer palmatum were showing signs of infestation (presence of frass). Dissection of these plants revealed the presence of larvae which were later identified as A. chinensis by molecular tests. These infested plants belonged to a consignment of potted plants (600 Magnolia, 400 Lagerstroemia, 9200 Acer palmatum) which had been imported from China in February 2007. Plants had been transported in a closed container and unloaded in the glasshouse (semi-closed) of the nursery concerned. In this infested consignment, most Lagerstroemia plants were severely affected by the pest (many dead trees with visible exit holes, no live beetle or larvae in the stems). A third of the Acer trees (i.e. 2692 plants) showed health problems and less than 100 trees showed clear signs of larval presence (frass at the base of the stem). Magnolia plants did not show any particular symptoms, although they were shipped together with the other highly infested plants. Investigations showed that a small number of plants (less than 50) had been transported to 2 other nurseries (in Zagreb and Split). Eradication measures were taken, all infested or suspicious plants were destroyed and burnt. Further inspections will be carried out in the infested nursery and movements of plants from this nursery have been prohibited for a period of 2 years. Intensive monitoring will continue in the infested nursery and its surroundings.
The situation of Anoplophora chinensis in Croatia can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2007 in one nursery (near Zadar) on imported potted plants from China, under eradication.
Sources
Vukadin A, Hrašovec B (2008) Anoplophora chinensis (Forster) in Croatia. Forstschutz Aktuell 44, 23-24.