Update on the situation of Popillia japonica in Switzerland
In Switzerland, Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Rutelidae – EPPO A2 List) was first found in Ticino in June 2017 (EPPO RS 2017/160) in a trap near to the demarcated area in Italy, and is subject to phytosanitary measures. Adults have been trapped repeatedly since that date. In 2019 a total of 23 adults have been trapped so far, over a period of 4 weeks in the municipalities of Stabio and Novazzano. For the first time on the Swiss territory, 10 adult individuals were also found next to (but not caught in) one pheromone trap on plants of Parthenocissus quinquefolia. Immediate measures have been taken such as the intensification of the surveillance in the region, the inventory of potential hotspots, the continuation of raising public awareness and providing farmers and producers with specific information about the harmful organism. Monitoring traps within the 3 km radius around traps that captured P. japonica will be removed to reduce the risk of attraction into pest free areas further north. Efforts undertaken to localize the site of reproduction of P. japonica on the Swiss territory have so far been unsuccessful. No adults were detected in the near vicinity or other hotspots in the region.
The pest status of Popillia japonica in Switzerland is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Switzerland (2019-07).