Update on the situation of Xylotrechus chinensis in France
In France, the presence of Xylotrechus chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO Alert List) was first reported on Morus trees in 2018 in Sète (Hérault department, Occitanie region) and in Le Bouscat (Gironde department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region) (EPPO RS 2018/220, RS 2019/098).
X. chinensis is listed as a temporary quarantine pest in France since March 2022. An official delimiting survey was carried out in 2022:
- In Occitanie, X. chinensis was detected in 29 municipalities in Hérault department. 409 sites were inspected as part of the planned official survey (from 23 June to 15 September 2022), and 45 additional sites were inspected following reports from the public (from 30 May to 15 September). Symptomatic Morus were observed in 68 and 17 of these sites, respectively. In total, 34 samples were taken, and 33 were positive.
- In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, X. chinensis was detected in 12 new municipalities, resulting in a total of 21 municipalities with outbreaks.
The official phytosanitary measures have to be defined. For the moment, it is recommended to rapidly destroy the infested plants or parts of plants by shredding and/or incineration.
The pest status of Xylotrechus chinensis in France is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under surveillance.
Sources
NPPO of France (2023-03).
A map of the outbreaks in Occitanie is available at: https://draaf.occitanie.agriculture.gouv.fr/xylotrechus-chinensis-point-de-situation-janvier-2023-a7673.html
Arrêté du 11 mars 2022 portant établissement des listes d'organismes nuisibles au titre du 5° de l'article L. 251-3 du code rural et de la pêche maritime. JORF n°0063 du 16 mars 2022. https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/eli/arrete/2022/3/11/AGRG2135065A/jo/texte