Update on the situation of Saperda candida in Germany
In Germany, the round-headed apple-tree borer Saperda candida (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae - EPPO A1 list) was first detected on the Island of Fehmarn (Island in the Baltic Sea, part of Schleswig-Holstein) in 2008 (EPPO RS 2008/139). All infested and suspicious plants were destroyed. A safety zone with a radius of 2 km was established where intensive surveys are carried out several times every year since 2008. In 2009, 3 dead beetles and 1 living beetle were found in the infested area. In 2010, a Sorbus tree with bore holes was found next to a road as well as dead beetles. In 2011, further suspicious plants were found: a Crataegus hedge in a private garden and 3 probably infested Crataegus. In the following years, the number of infested trees decreased continuously and in 2014 no infested trees were found. In 2015, 2 suspicious Crataegus plants were found in a hedge in a private garden close to a camp site and 2 infested plants with larvae were detected. In 2020, one larva was found. Official surveillance and eradication measures continue. From 2008 to 2019, host plants have been treated with alpha-cypermethrin as a prophylactic measure. From 2008 to 2020 a total of 126 infested trees have been destroyed. The source of the outbreak is not known.
The pest status of Saperda candida in Germany is officially declared as: Present, only in one location, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Germany (2021-02).