First report of Euwallacea fornicatus sensu lato and cf. Cryphalus sp. in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first occurrence of Euwallacea fornicatus sensu lato (Coleoptera: Scolytinae, EPPO A2 List) on its territory. The pest was detected, as well as another bark beetle cf. Cryphalus sp. (Coleoptera: Scolytinae, EU Annexes as ‘non-European Scolytinae spp.’), following trace-back of consignments linked to a recent finding of E. fornicatus in Germany (EPPO RS 2021/033). In March 2021, two plants for planting of Artocarpus altilis and one plant of Ficus microcarpa were found to be infested in a greenhouse (44 000 m2) for commercial wholesale in the Province of Zuid-Holland. Several exit holes and frass were recorded on affected plants. More than 10 adults and larvae of cf. Cryphalus sp. were detected and several adults and larvae of Euwallacea fornicatus. Morphological identification of adults was followed by subsequent molecular analysis.
All affected lots have been destroyed under official supervision. All woody plants and palms (Arecaceae) in the greenhouse have been put on hold pending further investigations. Monitoring with traps will be conducted for 12 weeks in the greenhouse. Trace-back and forward are ongoing. The source of the infestations is unclear as the company imports plants from different countries.
The pest status of Euwallacea fornicatus sensu lato in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Present, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2021-04).