Finding of Anoplophora chinensis in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of an isolated finding of Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae - EPPO A1 list). One adult male of A. chinensis was found in a private garden on an Acer japonicum tree. In October 2003, the NPPO in Wageningen received the beetle, which had been sent for identification by the owner of the tree. The infested tree (which was growing in a pot) was taken in for further investigation. This was the only Acer japonicum growing in the garden. In the laboratory, it was confirmed that the tree, which showed clear feeding symptoms on the twigs and had one exit hole, had most likely hosted the beetle. The tree was destroyed. The beetle itself was a small male specimen indicating that it had grown under suboptimal conditions. The infested tree was one of a consignment of Acer japonicum trees, originating in China which was imported by a garden centre in May 2003. It is assumed that the beetle entered with this consignment. The NPPO has placed the remainder of the consignment under quarantine for the duration of one biological cycle of the beetle. Garden centres to which plants from the infested consignment were delivered have been traced and are being investigated. In the direct vicinity of the finding place, no symptoms of further infestation have been observed on surrounding trees. As there is no indication that other host trees in the vicinity have been infested and the fact that the found specimen (male) was most probably hosted by the inspected tree, it is not likely that this entry has led to establishment.
The declared status of Anoplophora chinensis in the Netherlands is: Absent, isolated findings traced to import consignments. Official measures taken: destruction.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands, 2004-01.