First report of Pityophthorus juglandis in France
The NPPO of France recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of the walnut twig beetle Pityophthorus juglandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae, EPPO A2 List) on its territory.
The presence of P. juglandis has been officially confirmed in September 2022 in the region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes on black walnut trees (Juglans nigra). Several adult specimens were caught in the context of the official surveillance in traps installed in the parks of la tête d'Or and Parilly in Lyon and its close suburbs. Investigations are underway to understand the origin of this introduction and surveys are planned to assess the extent of the spread of the pest in the area. Control measures aiming at eradication are being drafted. At this stage, it is not possible to officially confirm the presence of the fungus Geosmithia morbida (EPPO A2 list) in the trapped specimens.
The pest status of Pityophthorus juglandis in France is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of France (2022-10).