First report of Dryocosmus kuriphilus in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae - EPPO A2 List) on its territory. The pest was observed in chestnut (Castanea sativa) plants in a wholesale company located in Boskoop. In July 2010, the presence of galls was observed during a routine field inspection in one lot of 5 Castanea trees (4-5 m high), delivered in 2008 from a nursery in Italy (Toscana, a region where D. kuriphilus occurs). In total, 137 galls were investigated and most of them were empty and included an exit hole, probably indicating that D. kuriphilus adults had emerged from these galls. In addition, 2 living adult females and 1 adult of a chalcidoid parasitoid were found in the galls. Therefore, it is most likely that D. kuriphilus was introduced with infested plants from Italy, and that adults emerged in spring 2008 and developed a small population which could apparently survive the 2009/2010 winter. Phytosanitary measures were taken in accordance with the EU Directive 2006/464/EC. All plants belonging to the same lot were destroyed (5 plants). Within a demarcated area of 15 km surrounding the infested zone, the movement of Castanea plants is prohibited for a period of at least 3 years. All growers and traders within the area were informed immediately about the measures. Further attention is given through press releases, several websites and publications. Furthermore, a survey will be conducted on Castanea species in the demarcated area to detect possible populations of D. kuriphilus.
The pest status of Dryocosmus kuriphilus in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Transient, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2010-08).
Commission Decision 2006/464/EC of 27 June 2006 on provisional emergency measures to prevent the introduction into and the spread within the Community of Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu. http://www.eppo.org/ABOUT_EPPO/EPPO_MEMBERS/phytoreg/eu_texts/2006-464-EC-e.pdf