The infestation of Polish forests by insect pests in 1998 and the forecast for 1999
2. Pest control in 1998
3.3. The foliophages of broadleaved forests
The forecasts of the threats to forests by more important species from this group of foliophages are based on the analysis of their abundance and the scope of control treatments carried out in previous years.
• In comparison with 1997, the forest area infested by Tortrix viridiana in 1998 was found to increase twice and it was 58486 ha. It refers to 165 forest districts in 15 regional directorate of the State Forests. The most threatened were oak stands in 3 regional directorates of the State Forests in Katowice, Wroclaw ·and Poznan.
In 1998, the campaigns against this species were carried out in a total area of 5809 ha and mostly in the forests of regional directorates of the State Forests in Wroclaw - 3294 ha and in Zielona Gora- 2041 ha.
Basing on the outbreak cycles of Tortrix viridiana it is expected that in 1999, the control treatments against this pest will be carried out on 5000 ha.
• Operophthera brumata 1996 and 1998 were the years of a decreasing tendency in the population abundance of this species. In comparison with 1997, the area of forests infested by this species decreased five times and was 1957 ha. No control treatments were carried out.
• Aegelastica alni was found on 1929 ha and controled on 354 ha.
• The area infected by Haltica quercetorum in 1998 decreased by 400 ha as compared with 1997 and was 1395 ha. Due to the reduction in the population abundance no control treatments were carried out in 1998. In 1999, further reduction in the population abundance of this pest is expected.
• In 1998, the imagines of Melolontha sp. occurred in an area of 11 380 ha of forests in 78 forest inspectorates of 15 regional directorates of the State Forests. Chemical control was carried out on 8474 ha.
• In 1998, the forest area infested by Lymantria dispar rapidly increased. This pest occurred in a total area of 1172 ha which is greater in comparison with the previous year by hundred times. Control treatments were carried out on 1053 ha.
• In 1998, other 24 pest insect species feeding on broadleaved trees were recorded. In comparison with 1997, the area of the forests in which these species were found doubled and was 6690 ha. It was due mainly to the appearance of Euproctis chrysorrhoea which infested 2300 ha of forests. The pest of this group were managed on 383 ha.
3.4. Root-damaging insect pests of trees and shrubs
According to the forecast, the pests of the roots of trees and shrubs, especially the white grubs of Melolontha sp., will infest mainly forest nurseries and plantations in 327 forest districts in all the regional inspectorates of the State Forests in a total area of 2337,6 ha.
(fig. 6) In comparison with the previous year, the area of the forests infested by root-damaging pests is smaller by 10 % and for the last three years it has been gradually decreasing.
The forests infested by root-damaging pests established on former agricultural lands covered and area of 1494 ha.
3.5 • The pests of plantations and thickets
There are no precise methods of forecasting the occurrence of pest insects attacking pine plantations and young stands. The infestation of pine plantations and thickets is estimated on the basis of the occurrence and control of individual insect species in the preceding year.
In 1998, nineteen species of this group were recorded in a total area of 79 180,5 ha, which means that the infested area was smaller than in 1997. However, the forest area subject to control treatments was greater than in 1997 by about 6 thousand ha and it equalled 41 734,5 ha. It can be assumed that in 1999 these pests will attack plantations and young stands in a similar area of about 80-90 thousand ha.
• Hylobius sp. were found to dominate in this group of insect pests. In 1998, these pests occurred in all the regional directorates of the State Forests in 369 forest inspecrorates attacking the forests in a total area of 30 680 ha. Mechanical and chemical control treatments were carried out on 22770 ha.
In 1999, the area of plantations threatened by Hylobius sp. should not exceed 20 000 ha.
• In 1998, young forests were attacked by Neodiprion sertifer on an area of 19 978 ha.
Control treatments were carried out in an area of 10 560 ha. It should be remembered that in recent years, the ecology of this species has changed, it attacks not only pine plantations and young-growth stands but also older stands.
• Rhyacionia buoliana occupies the second place with regard to the size of the area in which it occurred and in which it was controled. In 1998, it was found in the forests of 134 forest inspectorates in 15 regional directorates of the State Forests in an area
of 15 397,6 ha. Control treatments were carried out in 11 regional directorates of the State Forests in a total area of 3206 ha.
• Since 1995, high infestation of plantations by Pissodes notatus was recorded. In 1998, this species was found in 61 forest inspectorates in 14 regional directorates of the State Forests in an area of 5032 ha. Control treatments were carried out on 4221 ha.
• The forest area infested by Brachyderes incanus decreased twice in comparison with the previous year and was 974 ha. This pest was managed on 23 ha.
• In 1998, the forest area infested by Aradus cinnamomeus doubled and was 2554 ha.
Control treatments were carried out on 23 ha.
• The forest area infested by Exoteleia dodecella decreased almost three times and in 1998 it was 376 ha. The pest was not controled.
• In 1998, the forest area infested by Cneorrhinus plagiatus and Strophosomus sp.
slightly increased. It attacked forests on 1282 ha. Control treatments were carried out in an area of 660 ha.
• In 1998, other ten species of this group of insect pests were recorded in the forests in a total area of 739 ha. Among these pests Pissodes piniphilus was found in the forests on 500 ha and Rhyacionia duplana on 103 ha.
3.6 Secondary pest insects
The amount of wood colonised by secondary pest insects removed in coniferous forests between 1st April and 30th September 1998 amounted to 833 237 cu. metres. As compared with the previous year, the removals dropped by 33 %. (fig. 7)
The volume of wood colonised by secondary pest insects left in the forests after 30th September 1998 amounted to 295 148 cu. m. It was by 6% less than in 1997.
In recent years, the removal of wood colonised by secondary pest insects has been decreasing and the decrease is rather significant. However, the raise by 6 % has been observed with regard to the amount of standing dead trees remaining in the forest for the next year (in spruce forests as high as 29 % ).
The most frequent casual secondary pests are:
in pine forests- Tomicus piniperda, Tomicus minor, Phaenops cyanea and locally Ips acuminatus and Pissodes sp.,
in spruce forests - Ips typographus, Ips amitinus, Polygraphus polygraphus, Pityogenes chalcographus and Ips duplicatus,
in fir forests: Pityokteines curvidens and Pissodes piceae.
The removals of wood colonised by secondary pest insects in broadleaved forests in the period from 1st April to 30th September 1998 amounted to 118104 cu metres, i.e. about 11 % more than in 1997. The volume of wood remaining in the forests after 30th September 1998 amounted to 90 679 cu. metres or 68% more than in the previous year.
The health condition of broadleaved forest did not change as compared with the previous year, however in the Regional Directorate of the State Forests in Wroclaw the amount of standing dead trees increased by 250 %. It was mainly due to the catastrophic flood of 1997 and the long-term inundation of the terrain.
The most frequent secondary pest insects of broadleaved forests were: Leperisinus fraxini, Hylesinus crenatus, Chrystobothris affinis, Plagionotus, Scolytus sp., Agrilus sp.
A complete version with tables and figures can be obtained by the authors.
Forster, B.; Knizek, M.; Grodzki, W. (eds.) 1999: Methodology of Forest Insect and Disease Survey in Central Europe.
Proceedings ofthe Second Workshop of the IUFRO WP 7.03.10, Apri120-23, 1999, Sion-Chateauneuf, Switzerland.
Birmensdorf, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) 94-97.
THE ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE: A NEWLY INTRODUCED PEST IN THE UNITED STATES
Michael L. McManus USDA Forest Service
51 Mill Pond Rd., Hamden, CT 06514 BACKGROUND
The Asian longhomed beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky (Coleoptera:
Cerambycidae), is a serious pest in the Palearctic region, particularly in the People's Republic of China (PRC) where it attacks primarily species of poplar (Populus), willow (Salix) elm (Ulmus), maple (Acer), and mulberry (Morus) (Peng and Liu 1992). In Asia, the ALB is prevalent at lat. 21-43° N. and long. 100-127° E. (Yan 1985). Other members ofthe genus have similar biological characteristics. A. chinensis, a closely related species, is considered one of the most destructive longhom beetles in the world.
The ALB attacks recently cut logs and both stressed and apparently healthy trees (Gao et al.
1993; He and Huang 1993). Young and old trees from 10-60 cm in diameter are attacked.
Adults frequently reinfest the same portion of a tree in consecutive years until that section dies.
BIOLOGY AND LIFE IDSTORY
The following information has been compiled by scientists from unpublished reports and from several preliminary studies conducted since 1996 (Haack et al. 1996).
Although most adult beetles in the PRC are reported to emerge from infested material between May and August, the ALB is able to overwinter in several life stages, so there is considerable overlap in the occurrence of life stages within individual trees. Usually, there is one generation per year, though some individuals may require 2 years to complete their development. Upon emergence, adult beetles are most active in the morning hours; prior to mating they feed on the bark and twigs of small branches in the upper crown and on the midrib of leaves. Although adults can fly up to 1, 000 m in search of new host material, they frequently attack the tree from which they emerged.
Adult females chew an oviposition hole through the bark to the cambial region where they oviposit a single oblong egg (5-7 mm). Adults can live for several weeks and it has been reported that females can produce 30-70 eggs in their lifetime. Oviposition can occur at nearly every point along the stem and on small branches (3-4 cm in diameter), and at the base of the tree or on exposed roots.
The first three instars feed in the phloem; the late third or early fourth instars move into the xylem and feed on the heartwood, where they eventually pupate. Mature larvae can attain a length of 50 mm and their galleries are 10-15 cm long. Emerging adults construct a circular exit hole 6-12 mm in diameter.
The adult beetles are shiny black with about 20 distinct white markings on each elytron (Peng and Liu 1992). The antennae are characteristic and segments 3-11 are distinctly banded in white at the base of the segment while the remainder of the segment is blue-black. The female
antennae usually are 1.3 times the body length while the antennae of the male are 2.5 times the body length.
NORTH AMERICAN INTRODUCTIONS New York Infestation
The ALB was first detected in Brooklyn, New York, in the summer of 1996 when a resident complained about dying Norway maple (Acer platanoides) trees. The insect was identified by specialists at Comell University and at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA)
Systematic Entomology Laboratory. Subsequent surveys established that the infestation consisted of200 trees within an area of about 520 hectares. A second infestation was found in Amityville, New York, at a Long Island commercial tree removal company that had
transported logs and sections of pruned trees from the Brooklyn area.
A quarantine was imposed around the affected area and an eradication program was initiated in the winter of 1996 by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Most of the infested trees were species of maple and horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum ), though trees of other genera such as Populus and Salix also were attacked. Intensive surveys were conducted and additional infested trees were discovered; since 1996, more than 1,500 trees have been removed (cut, chipped, and incinerated) at an estimated cost of$4.2 million.
In 1999, a new infestation of 115 trees was found in the Queens section ofNew York City.
These trees were removed in March. It is estimated that the ALB has been in the New York area for the past 8-10 years but had gone undiscovered. This is not surprising since initial beetle attacks and activity occur in the upper crown of trees where they are not easily observed. Infested trees are detected only after they' are attacked repeatedly and severely, which results in observable emergence holes, boring dust, and oviposition sites on the stem.
Although it is not known exactly how the ALB was introduced into New York, the most likely scenario is that it was in poplar timber that is used for crating (dunnage) of materials such as pipe, wire, and heavy machinery imported from the PRC. The ALB had been intercepted in 1992 at Vancouver, British Columbia, and in the state of Ohio. In both interceptions, the ALB was found on solid-wood packing materials from the PRC.
Chicago Infestation
Between July 9 and August 4, 1998, the ALB was found in three locations in the metropolitan area of Chicago, Illinois. APHIS and the State oflllinois imposed a quarantine effective July 28, 1998, that prohibited the movement of beetles, affected trees, and wood from infested areas. The quarantined zone later was expanded to encompass an area of about 2, 000 hectares after additional infested trees were discovered.
Preliminary evidence suggests that the infestations in Chicago resulted from separate
introductions and were associated with wood crating and pallets that accompanied shipments from the PRC. The destruction of infested trees began in January 1999 and continues at this time. It is estimated that 455 trees must be removed on both public and private properties.
The extent of these infestations is being assessed through expanded survey efforts by Illinois
PLAN OF ACTION
A. glabripennis is a non-native pest that is a serious threat to the urban and rural forests of North America About 113 million hectares of hardwood forests in the eastern United States are considered at risk. This does not include urban and rural areas where hardwood species are invaluable specimen trees on boulevards and private properties, and in public parks.
APIDS estimates that more than 30 percent of the trees in urban areas are species of maple, which is a favored host of the ALB. However, the extent of the host range of the ALB in North America has not yet been determined. Of particular concern is the maple-beech forest association, which is common in New England and the Upper Midwest. Sugar maple, Acer saccharum, the dominant species in these regions, is economically important as the source for maple syrup, and along with several other maple species contributes to the tourism industry with its spectacular display of foliar coloration in the fall.
Detection and Eradication
APIDS along with affected states will continue to use its regulatory authority to establish domestic quarantines around new infestations to prevent the spread of the ALB from within infested areas. All infested trees and material within the quarantine areas will be removed and destroyed. APIDS will continue to conduct intensive detection surveys at these sites annually for 5 years after the last beetle is found.
In addition to the current infestations, the ALB has been intercepted recently in at least 26 warehouses in 14 states across the United States. Consequently, on December 17, 1998, the USDA imposed an interim rule on untreated solid-wood packing materials arriving from the PRC, including Hong Kong, and developed an operational plan for addressing shipments of high- and low-risk cargos from these sources. The rule clarifies that Hong Kong government officials can sign certificates accompanying shipments originating from Hong Kong that state that the materials being shipped were treated with preservatives, heat treated, or fumigated before leaving Hong Kong.
Shipments from the PRC containing solid-wood packing material still must have an
accompanying certificate signed by a Chinese government official. The intent of this rule was to have the least possible impact on trade with the PRC. Since the regulation was enacted, 74 percent of 4,400 shipments from the PRC that had been inspected were in compliance.
Removal of infested trees and replanting
As stated previously, all infested trees that are detected are removed and destroyed. Since 1996, in excess of$2.5 million in city, state, and federal funds have been used to remove infested trees and plant replacement trees. In New York, more than 1,600 trees that are not known to be hosts of the ALB have been planted; an additional1,200 trees will be planted by the summer of2000. A similar program will be initiated in Chicago after the attacked trees have been removed.
Research
Because critical knowledge is lacking on many aspects of the ALB's life history, ecology, and control, the USDA has committed substantial funds, beginning in 1998, to accelerate research
on this pest and related species. Areas of expanded research will include basic biology, host preferences, within-tree distribution of life stages, adult dispersal, the role ofpheromones and host attractants, chemical and biological controls, and genetic relatedness of ALB populations.
These studies will be conducted in primary quarantine facilities by USDA scientists and their university cooperators, and with collaborating scientists from the PRC.
REFERENCES
Gao, R., Qin, X., Chen, D ., Chen, W. 1993. A study on the damage to poplar caused by Anoplophora glabripennis. Forest Research 6: 189-193.
Haack, RA., Cavey, J.F., Hoebeke, E.R., Law, K.R. 1996. Anoplophora glabripennis:
a new tree-infesting exotic cerambycid invades New York. Newsletter of the Michigan Entomological Society 41: 1-3.
He, P ., Huang, J.F. 1993. Adult behavior of Anoplophora glabripennis.
Acta Entomologica Sinica 36: 51-55.
Peng, J., Liu, Y. 1992. Iconography of forest insects in Hunan, China. Hunan Forestry Department, Institute of Zoology, Academia Sinica.
Yan, J.J. 1985. Research on distribution of a whitespotted longicom in East China.
Journal ofNorth-Eastem Forestry College 13: 62-69.
Forster, B.; M.; Grodzki, W. (eds.) 1999: Methodology of Forest Insect and Disease Survey in Central Europe.
Proceedings of the Second Workshop ofthe IUFRO WP 7.03.10, April20-23, 1999, Sion-Chateauneuf, Switzerland.
Birmensdorf, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) 98-101.
XYLOSANDRUS GERMANUS AND WALNUT DISEASE:
AN ASSOCIATION NEW TO EUROPE
Frigimelica G.1, Stergulc, F.\ Zandigiacomo P.2, Faccoli M.1 & Battisti A.1
Introduction
1) Institute of Agricultural Entomology, University ofPadua 16/a via Rornea, 35020 -Legnaro (PD)-Italy
2) Department of Plant Protection, University ofUdine, Italy 208, Via delle Scienze, 33100 Udine, Italy
The forest service of the Friuli Venezia Giulia district (north-eastern Italy) pays a great attention to the sanitary conditions of both forests and plantations (Stergulc et al., 1999). The damage caused by pests and diseases are the object of a permanent monitoring net, called
"BAUSINVE-Forest Pest and Disease Inventory", in which any kind of biotic damage occurring in any part of the district, is registered. Foresters were provided with an identification handbook of both pests and diseases (Stergulc & Frigirnelica, 1996). At the beginning of the summer of 1998, several trees in young plantations of European walnut (Juglans regia L.), situated in this district, showed a series of disease symptoms, such as wilting, dieback, stern cankers and production of sprouts near the ground. On the bark of diseased trees either pink or whitish sporodochia were visible. A large part of diseased trees were also colonised by the ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) (=Xyleborus germanus, Coleoptera: Scolytidae), a species new to Italy (Stergulc et al., 1999).
A similar situation was observed in Northern America by several authors who reported the association between X germanus and fungi of the genus Fusarium, as involved in the American black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) disease (Hoffrnan, 1941; Kessler, 1974; Anderson
A similar situation was observed in Northern America by several authors who reported the association between X germanus and fungi of the genus Fusarium, as involved in the American black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) disease (Hoffrnan, 1941; Kessler, 1974; Anderson