Ekspresowa Analiza Zagrożenia Agrofagiem: Anoplophora chinensis (Forster), 1771

Anoplophora chinensis is a highly polyphagous species. The availability of host plants as well as climatic conditions (except in the northernmost areas) are not factors limiting its spread in EPPO countries. The outbreaks of the pest that have been detected in Europe since 2000 to date show the beetle's adaptation to different climates and environments - for this reason, the risk of establishment and spread is considered very high. The larvae cause the most damage. They feed in the wood of living trees, reducing the quality and value of the wood and causing trees to die. Due to its wide host range, A. chinensis can have an extremely high economic impact in new areas of establishment. In the PRA area, common woody plants (including fruit and ornamental plants) in forests, parks and gardens are potentially most at risk. The probability of infiltration without phytosanitary measures is rated as high with medium uncertainty. The primary phytosanitary measure is detailed inspection at the stage of production, packaging, transportation and after shipments enter. At the point of production, immediate removal of plants on which the pest or symptoms of damage have been found (including root grinding) is an effective method. Monitoring and proper identification are key to reducing the movement of the pest. Detection of the pest in commodities and shipments (packages) by visual inspection of the batch is difficult due to the possibility of the insect being present at different stages of development, as well as the fact that plants often show no signs of infestation. Since the movement of live plants is the main route of spread of A. chinensis, it is important that host plants are imported only from areas free of the pest. Alternatively, plants should be grown under closely supervised conditions in registered nurseries. Appropriate precautions would be to grow the plants for at least two years prior to shipment under isolation conditions that prevent infection by individuals from other crops and batches of plant material (e.g., in pest-free areas or at a suitable distance, in sealed isolators, greenhouses, etc.) and check them several times a year for the presence of the pest. The use of surface and systemic insecticides (pyrethroids, organophosphates, neonicotinoids) and, in the case of wood-based materials (lumber, wooden pallets), the use of fumigants containing aluminum phosphide appear to be potential control options once the pest is found.