First record of Anoplophora glabripennis in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 List) on its territory. On 2010-11-16, the identity of the pest was confirmed on the basis of morphological analysis of wing covers and DNA analysis of larval remains which had been found in 1 tree in a lane of Acer pseudoplatanus in the municipality of Almere. In total 16 exit holes and 3 larvae were detected in one tree. Observations indicated that some exit holes had been formed recently, whereas others were estimated to be at least three years old. The exact age of exit holes is still to be determined. Signs of the presence of A. glabripennis have also been detected on 6 adjacent trees in a lane of A. pseudoplatanus trees. These trees are located in an industrial area of Almere and were planted approximately ten years ago. In this area there are no tree nurseries and only a limited number of public or private gardens, but a nature conservation area is situated within the surveillance area of 1 kilometre radius around the infested site. It is considered that the most likely source of the outbreak is wood packaging material from Asia because there are several companies importing goods from Asia in the vicinity. Investigations are being carried out to identify the possible source of this infestation. The following phytosanitary measures aiming at a prompt eradication of A. glabripennis are being taken and include the following:
1) Destruction of all symptomatic trees, as well as all deciduous trees and shrubs (with a diameter of 2.5 cm or more) located within a range of 100 m from the infested trees. Each individual plant will be dissected and analysed by the national reference laboratory for any signs of the pest. It is envisaged to finalize tree destruction by January 2011.
2) Restrictions on the movement of host plant material (with a diameter of more than 2.5 cm) within a range of 500 m around the infested trees. This material should be officially reported and destroyed according to official procedures.
3) Specific surveillance (also involving specialized tree climbers) will be carried out on an annual basis within a radius of 1 000 m around the affected trees for at least the next four years.
The pest status of Anoplophora glabripennis in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Transient – Isolated outbreak, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2010-11).