Situation of Dryocosmus kuriphilus in France in 2010
In France, the first outbreak of Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae - EPPO A2 List) was reported in 2007 in the department of Alpes-Maritimes, close to the infested region of Cuneo in Italy. An isolated outbreak in Haute-Garonne was eradicated in 2009 but the pest continued to spread in the South-East of France (EPPO RS 2007/086, 2008/097, 2009/108). In 2010, the following new outbreaks were reported by the French NPPO but in all cases phytosanitary measures were taken to prevent further spread of the pest.
Ardèche and Drôme
In Ardèche and Drôme, galls of D. kuriphilus were detected in May 2010, in 16 chestnut orchards (covering approximately 40 ha) as well as in surrounding woodlands (approximately 20 ha). Surveys are being carried out to delimit the extent of the infestation in these two departments.
Haute-Corse
In June 2010, D. kuriphilus was detected in numerous chestnut trees growing in forest stands and orchards. The first outbreaks were detected in several municipalities around the city of Borgo.
Rhône
In May 2010, galls of D. kuriphilus were detected in a private garden on a chestnut tree. This plant came from an infested lot which had been identified in a nursery in the same department.
Var
D. kuriphilus was detected on 2010-06-16 in a chestnut orchard located near a forest. The origin of this outbreak is unknown. In this orchard, 4 trees were found infested (1 tree bearing numerous galls, and the other 3 bearing only 1 gall each). Only a few galls had exit holes, suggesting that most insects were still inside the galls. All infested trees were drastically pruned and removed twigs were burned. Further inspections did not detect D. kuriphilus in the vicinity of the orchard.
The situation of Dryocosmus kuriphilus in France can be described as follows: Present, found in the South-East (Ain, Ardèche, Alpes-Maritimes, Drôme, Haute-Corse, Haute-Savoie, Rhône, Savoie, Var), under official control.
Sources
NPPO of France (2010-06, 2010-07).