Farm Forestry New Zealand
PESTS AND DISEASES OF FORESTRY IN NEW ZEALAND
Asian longhorn beetle in Europe
Scion is the leading provider of forest-related knowledge in New Zealand
Formerly known as the Forest Research Institute, Scion has been a leader in research relating to forest health for over 50 years. The Rotorua-based Crown Research Institute continues to provide science that will protect all forests from damage caused by insect pests, pathogens and weeds. The information presented below arises from these research activities.
From Forest Health News 110, August 2001.
In April we featured an item on the Asian longhorn beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) which has recently been causing serious concern in the Chicago region and New York City in the United States (FHNews 106:1). This destructive beetle is now known to have reached Europe. According to Brenda Warner, a staff reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times (10 August), about 15 to 20 Norway maple trees infested with this insect were identified during a ground survey on July 30 in the city of Braunau in northern Austria. However, withering and dying of trees were first observed in this locality last year, and the beetle is therefore likely to have been present for some time. Twigs and bark on attacked trees show signs of adult feeding, and exit holes and egg-laying sites are evident. Swarms of beetles have also been observed.
The affected trees are situated near a building supply yard, and it is speculated that the insect may have been introduced in infested packaged wood two or three years ago. The discovery is of concern not only to Austria, but to the whole of Europe. Surveys are being conducted of all trees and stands in and around Braunau, and infested trees will be felled and chipped to destroy larvae within. For those conversant in German, further information and pictures are available on the web site:
http://www.stadtbaum.at/cpag/109.html
Ian Hood, Editor
This information is intended for general interest only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific specialist advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose. Scion will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or exemplary damages, loss of profits, or any other intangible losses that result from using the information provided on this site.
(Scion is the trading name of the New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited.)
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