Aromia bungii found again in Bayern, Germany
In Germany, Aromia bungii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 List) was first found in July 2011 in an old damson plum tree (Prunus domestica subsp. insititia), in a private garden in Rosenheim (near Kolbermoor) in the southern part of Bayern (EPPO RS 2012/090). Exit holes were observed on this plum tree and the garden owners also mentioned that they had observed 2 adult specimens. Eradication measures were immediately taken and the infested tree was cut down. During the destruction process of the tree, 2 larvae of A. bungii were detected. As part of the eradication programme, an information campaign about A. bungii was lauched to encourage citizens to look for the bettle and notify findings. Flyers have been distributed and several meetings organized to inform citizens, associations and municipalities. As a result of this campaign, another infested tree (Prunus sp.) was found in July 2016 in a private garden in Rosenheim, approximately 6 km away from the initial finding site. Beetles had been observed by a private person who contacted the Regional Plant Protection Service. During the official inspection, exit holes were detected on the infested Prunus tree and larvae were collected. On the same day, the tree was destroyed. Several adult specimens had been collected by the garden owner, and an additional beetle was found during the official inspection. In August 2016, the identity of the pest was confirmed by two laboratories (morphological characteristics of collected adult specimens, PCR testing of a larval specimen). In October 2016, another larva of A. bungii was collected from 1 tree in Kolbermoor and 25 trees presenting signs of infestation were detected. Phytosanitary measures are being taken to eradicate A. bungii. The infested tree and the potentially infested trees will be destroyed. Surveys are being conducted in demarcated areas (2 circular areas of 2 km radius covering urban areas in Rosenheim and Kolbermoor) where 110 traps have been installed. Restrictions on the movement of plants and wood of Prunus spp. have been imposed in demarcated areas. Owners of host plants within demarcated areas have been obliged to survey their Prunus plants twice a month, and official surveys are continuing.
The pest status of Aromia bungii in Germany is officially declared as: Transient, only at one location, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Germany (2017-03).