First report of Xylosandrus crassiusculus in Malta
The NPPO of the Malta recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first detection of Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Coleoptera, Scolytinae - EPPO Alert List) on its territory. During the official annual survey, samples were collected around Malta (8 locations) and Gozo (4 locations) in March 2021. The pest was found in the island of Malta (municipalities of Mgarr, Rabat, Qrendi, Qormi, Birzebbuga) and of Gozo (municipality of Qala) on carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua). The NPPO will conduct an awareness campaign on this pest, as well as a study with other entities such the University of Malta to further study its impact and spread.
The pest status of Xylosandrus crassiusculus in Malta is officially declared as: Present, in specific parts of the Member State, where host crop(s) are grown.
Sources
NPPO of Malta (2021-05).