Anoplophora chinensis eradicated from the Netherlands
In 2008 and 2010, one isolated finding and one outbreak of Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae - EPPO A2 List) were detected in Netherlands (RS 2008/002, RS 2009/173, RS 2010/025).
The outbreak reported in 2008 in Westland concerned a small number of infested trees (all within a radius of 30 m), directly adjacent to company importing Acer trees from Asia. In 2008, 8 trees were found infested on a public green (26 larvae and 22 exit holes in total). In mid August 2009, following the destruction of the plants growing underneath the trees to facilitate surveillance, 3 more plants were found infested (2 Cornus plants, each harbouring 1 larva - 1 Crataegus showing 2 fresh exit holes).
The finding reported in 2010 in Boskoop concerned 1 Carpinus tree with 1 recent exit hole and 2 larvae. Again, it was directly adjacent to an importing company of Acer trees from Asia. At the same location, 7 old exit holes were detected in two old dead stumps of Acer palmatum.
In both cases, eradication measures were taken and combined with intensive surveillance. All potential host plants (broad-leaved trees, Pinus spp. and Cryptomeria spp.) within a range of 100 m around infested trees were removed. These plants were also individually dissected and examined for symptoms. Intensive surveillance was carried out in the demarcated areas surrounding the infested sites, and included destructive sampling (which targeted at least 1% of all plants in each lot). In total more than 85 000 plants were destroyed in 2010. Additional surveys were also carried out at other locations in the Netherlands. No further specimens of A. chinensis or signs of infestation could be found in demarcated areas or in other locations. Therefore in July 2010, the NPPO of the Netherlands officially declared the eradication of A. chinensis. Specific surveillance for this pest will nevertheless continue.
The pest status of Anoplophora chinensis in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Absent, eradicated.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2010-07).