First record of a Coccotrypes species in Denmark
On 23 September 2022, Denmark was notified by Sweden of findings of Coccotrypes cyperi (Coleoptera: Scolytinae, EU A1 Quarantine pest as ‘non-European Scolytinae’), on plants of Ficus microcarpa sold by a Danish producer in January 2022 (EPPO RS 2021/099). As a follow-up to the notification, trace back and forward surveys showed that the infested lot had been imported from China, and that plants had been sent on to other EU Member States (that will be notified).
Inspections were performed at the place of production where the plants had been imported. Production sites are closed greenhouses. Symptomatic plants of F. microcarpa were found in September 2022. The plants also originated from China and from the same supplier as the plants of the finding in Sweden. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of Coccotrypes sp. In total approximately 70 000 plants of F. microcarpa of different lots have been imported from China. Official measures are applied: infested plants will be destroyed, and thorough inspection and destructive sampling of the lot will be performed. Plans for additional inspection and sampling are currently drawn up.
The pest status of Coccotrypes sp. in Denmark is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Denmark (2022-10).