First report of Xylosandrus compactus in Mallorca (Baleares, ES)
The NPPO of Spain recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Xylosandrus compactus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae – EPPO Alert List) in Mallorca, Islas Baleares. Symptoms were first observed by gardeners in a carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) in a private garden located in the municipality of Calvià, Mallorca Island. The identification of Xylosandrus compactus was confirmed by the Official Plant Health Laboratory of Islas Baleares in December 2019. The infested tree was drastically pruned and two endotherapy treatments with abamectin were carried out in August 2019. A survey was carried out in the area consisting of visual inspections and sampling. Samples (mainly branches) were taken from the affected tree and other nearby carob trees in December 2019 and no X. compactus was detected. Symptoms produced by the insect do not seem to cause the death of the tree. Surveillance will continue within a radius of 200 m around the affected tree.
The pest status of Xylosandrus compactus in Spain is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under surveillance.
Sources
NPPO of Spain (2019-12).