First report of Xylosandrus crassiusculus in France
The NPPO of France recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae – EPPO Alert List) on its territory. On 2014-08-11, the pest was found in the department of Alpes-Maritimes (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region) on 4 carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua). These carob trees were located in a forest in an urban area, and were all contained within a radius of 200 m. Unusual symptoms were detected in the framework of the national surveillance programme carried out in non-agricultural areas (pictures can be viewed on the Internet: http://draaf.paca.agriculture.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/Xylosandrus_crassiusculus_DSF_cle84bcc1-2.pdf). Adults and larvae were collected from 1 infested tree and the identity of the pest was confirmed in the laboratory (Laboratoire National de l’ANSES, unité d’entomologie) on 2014-08-18. Studies are being carried out to determine the origin of this infestation. Phytosanitary measures are being implemented and include: destruction of infested trees, intensive surveys within a radius of 200-300 m, surveys in autumn and spring on a larger area, and implementation of a trapping network in the infested site and its surroundings (forest, parks and gardens where carob trees are present). An information campaign will also be carried out in the municipality concerned and neighbouring ones.
The pest status of Xylosandrus crassiusculus in France is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of France (2014-09).