Phoracantha semipunctata and apple proliferation phytoplasma found in the Netherlands
The Plant Protection Service of the Netherlands has recently informed the EPPO Secretariat that Phoracantha semipunctata (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) and apple proliferation phytoplasma (EPPO A2 quarantine pests) were found in the Netherlands.
- In summer 1997, adults of Phoracantha semipunctata were found emerging from eucalyptus wood in a private house. The wood originated from Australia and came to the Netherlands by ship as dunnage (supporting beams in a consignment of copper). The wood was destroyed in order to avoid any further spread, although it is very unlikely that this insect will survive in the Netherlands as eucalyptus is hardly present.
In addition, in the Plant Protection Service ‘Nieuwsbrief’, it is noted that Megacyllene falsa, an American cerambycid, was recently found in dunnage on a sugar ship from Aruba. Attention is drawn on the danger that dunnage may present as a means of introducing exotic pests.
- Apple proliferation phytoplasma (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) was found on apple trees in the provinces of Limburg and Noord-Brabant in autumn 1997. Infected and neighbouring trees were destroyed. Inspections were regularly carried out in the concerned fields, and the disease has no longer been found. It is felt that apple proliferation phytoplasma has been eradicated. However, inspections will continue during the next season. The source of this infection is still under investigation.
Sources
Plant Protection Service of the Netherlands, 1998-05.
de Goffau, L.J.W. (1998) [Cerambycids detected in dunnage.]
Nieuwsbrief 5(1), 1-2, Plant Protection Service, Wageningen.