First report of Dryocosmus kuriphilus in Austria
The NPPO of Austria recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first records of Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae – EPPO A2 List) on Castanea sativa in the regions of Vienna and Vorarlberg. In Vienna, the pest was detected in private gardens on a total of 4 trees and 1 shrub. In Vorarlberg, it was found on an old tree in a private garden. The identity of the pest was confirmed by the AGES laboratory on the basis of morphological characteristics of the species. In both cases, the origin of the pest is unknown. In Vienna, the regional Plant Protection Service ordered the destruction of 1 tree and pruning of the other infested shrub and trees, as well as the burning of all removed plant material. As Vorarlberg is neighbouring Switzerland, the regional Plant Protection Service of the canton of Saint Gallen (CH) has been informed.
The pest status of Dryocosmus kuriphilus in Austria is officially declared as follows: Present, only in some areas, under official control.
Sources
NPPO of Austria (2013-07).