First report of Dryocosmus kuriphilus in Germany
The NPPO of Germany recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first records of Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae – EPPO A2 List) on Castanea sativa in the länder of Baden-Württemberg, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Sachsen and Thüringen. These records were made during a period from May 2012 to June 2013. The infested trees found in 2012 in Sachsen and Thüringen were destroyed (see below). In the case of findings made in 2013, preliminary quarantine measures have been taken. Surveys are ongoing to define demarcated zones according to Article 6 of the EU Decision 2006/464/EC.
- Sachsen and Thüringen
In 2012, single Castanea plants in Sachsen (Meißen) and Thüringen (near Erfurt) were found to be infested with D. kuriphilus. They were planted in a private garden and in a hedgerow, respectively. The plants had both been delivered via an Internet supplier in 2011 and originated from a nursery in another EU member state. Tracing-back and tracing-forward investigations were initiated to determine whether additional infested plants belonging to the same consignment had been delivered to other places. However, the pest could not be found on any of the trees that could be traced. The infested plants were destroyed and intensive surveys are being carried out in these areas.
- Nordrhein-Westfalen
In May 2013, D. kuriphilus was found on 1 young Castanea tree in a private garden located near Neuss. The private gardener had grown the tree from a seed. The pest was identified morphologically. The source of this infestation could not be clarified so far.
D. kuriphilus has also been found on Castanea trees near Mönchengladbach. These trees were part of an alley of old trees considered as a natural monument, among which some of the trees had been replaced in 2002 by younger ones. The pest was identified morphologically. It appears that the pest has been present in this historical tree alley since 2012.
- Baden-Württemberg
In June 2013, D. kuriphilus was detected on Castanea trees in a forest near Mannheim. It is presumed that the infestation started a few years ago. The infested area seems to be relatively large but its extent still needs to be determined. The source of this infestation has not yet been elucidated.
The pest status of Dryocosmus kuriphilus in Germany is officially declared as follows: Present, only in some areas (Baden-Württemberg, Nordrhein-Westfalen), under official control.
Sources
NPPO of Germany (2013-07).