The Japanese beetle, an insect pest at the gates of France
The Japanese beetle, a danger for hundreds of plant species, could soon be introduced into France, alerted the National Health Security Agency on Monday.
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The Japanese beetle, a danger to hundreds of plant species, could soon be introduced into France, alerted the National Health Security Agency (Anses) on Monday, which recommends increased surveillance and various means of control.
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Introduced from Japan to North America where it is well established, the beetle or Japanese chafer (popillia japonica) was spotted in Italy in 2014 and in Switzerland in 2017 and "
the probability that it enters France is high
", indicates ANSES in a press release.
"
This insect pest represents a threat to hundreds of plant species
": "
The adult feeds preferentially on leaves while the larvae feed on roots
", warns ANSES.
More than 400 types of plants are concerned, both “
food plants: plum, apple, vine, corn, soy, beans, asparagus;
forest species, such as Norway maple or poplar;
or ornamental plants, for example roses or certain species present in lawns and lawns
”.
For ANSES, it is impossible to prevent the arrival of this beetle in France: "
It is an insect that moves easily, the temperature and precipitation conditions are favorable to it and since it can consume many species of plants present on French territory, he will have no difficulty finding food sources
, ”explains Christine Tayeh, scientific coordinator at ANSES, quoted in the press release.
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"Intervene as soon as the insect is first detected"
The Japanese beetle can fly or "
hitchhike
" while moving on any support.
It is therefore necessary "to
intervene as soon as the insect is first detected
", via "
traps equipped with mixed lures (combination of sexual pheromones and floral attractants)
" placed along the border with the countries where it is already present and near points of entry into the territory (ports, airports, roads), while also raising awareness among professionals in the sectors concerned.
The formula worked in Oregon or California, says ANSES.
In the event of detection, the Agency recommends "
delimiting an infested area
" with reinforced surveillance and the implementation of several means of controlling the beetle, including "
mass trapping, the use of synthetic plant protection products and biological control
", depending on the situation.
It is also possible to practice "
irrigation during the egg-laying period or tilling the soil in the fall
" to reduce the survival of the larvae and the damage to the plants.
"
If such actions are not taken as soon as possible after the detection of the Japanese beetle, preventing its spread once it has established itself in the territory is likely to be long and have a low chance of success
" , warns ANSES.
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(with
AFP
)
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Environment
Biodiversity