Situation of Anoplophora glabripennis in Switzerland
In Switzerland, Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 List) was first found in September 2011. Several dead specimens were discovered in the canton of Friburg and then in Thurgau (EPPO RS 2011/189 and 2011/239). In May 2012, the pest was also detected by sniffer dogs on a consignment of granite stones at the Rhine port of Basel (EPPO RS 2012/148). In July 2012, an outbreak of A. glabripennis was discovered by a gardener of the public green service of the municipality of Winterthur, canton of Zürich. An extensive information campaign has been carried out in Switzerland since the beginning of 2012, thus professionals in the area of horticulture and forestry are paying particular attention to symptoms possibly caused by longhorn beetles. 30 Acer pseudoplatanus trees planted along the ‘Sulzer-Allee’ and 1 Salix caprea, within an area of 30;m x 150 m, were found to be infested by A. glabripennis. The majority of the infested trees exhibited several exit holes and egg deposits. Larvae (including last instar larvae) were found when cutting tree parts, and approximately 140 adult beetles were caught during the subsequent felling of the trees (in addition some beetles were able to escape).
The origin of this outbreak is unknown. The ‘Sulzer-Allee’ is located in a former industrial area being reconverted into a residential quarter. Along this avenue, 66 trees of A.;pseudoplatanus (of which 30 were to be infested) had been planted in 2008. According to the extent of the outbreak, it is assumed that A. glabripennis was introduced 4-6 years ago, probably with infested wood packaging material. The history of the trees (origin, pest status of the place of production) is also being investigated, as an introduction of the pest with nursery stock cannot yet be excluded.
Immediate action consisted of the complete destruction of all 66 trees of the ‘Sulzer-Allee’ and the infested S. caprea. An extensive detection survey is being carried out by the phytosanitary authorities of the canton of Zürich, within a radius of 500 m around the infested area. Three sniffer dogs will also be used in this survey. The monitoring design and the detailed control measures will be decided once the results of the current survey are completed.
The pest status of Anoplophora glabripennis in Switzerland is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Switzerland (2013-02).