First report of Anoplophora glabripennis in Austria
The NPPO of Austria recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the introduction of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 quarantine pest) in Austria. In July 2001, the first beetles were detected in the small city of Braunau am Inn (near the German border) and a few days later they were identified as A. glabripennis by the Institute of Forest Protection. Grub holes and other symptoms were found on 40 trees (all Acer species, and mainly A. platanoides). Eradication measures were immediately taken. All infested trees and all those suspected of being infested were cut down and wood was cut into small pieces. All living beetles (approximately 100) which fed on the leaves and trunks were collected and killed by the Plant Protection Service. All infested trees were situated along a small avenue over a distance of a few hundred metres. Surveys were done and as of August 17th, no other beetles were found in the city, in its surroundings nor in the state of Oberösterreich. Further monitoring will continue. This report of A. glabripennis in Austria constitutes the first record for Europe.
Sources
NPPO of Austria, 2001-08.