Further details on the situation of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in Corsica (FR)
As was already reported in EPPO RS 2006/225, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae – EPPO A2 List) has recently been found in the south of France. Further details are now provided on its current situation in Corsica (FR). R. ferrugineus was first discovered in September 2006 near Porto-Vecchio (south of the island) in a private garden. Surveys to delimit the extent of the infestation were immediately initiated and more than 30 traps (pheromone + dates as a feeding attractant) were installed in all coastal areas of the island. Each time an insect was trapped, visual observations of the surrounding palm trees within a radius of 100 m of the trapping site were also carried out. As of March 2007, more than 300 specimens of R. ferrugineus were caught and all captures were made near Porto-Vecchio. Infested palm trees are being destroyed following a strict procedure: palm leaves are cut and burnt, the remaining stipe (‘trunk’) is treated with an insecticide and tightly covered with a plastic sheet for several days to prevent the escape of flying adults, and the stipe is finally cut and burnt. Surveys and eradication measures are continuing in Corsica.
Sources
INTERNET (last retrieved on 2007-03-30)
Website of FREDON-Corse. Le charançon rouge du palmier a débarqué en Corse. http://www.fredon-corse.com/actions/surveillance_CR.htm