2021/104 Update on the situation of Popillia japonica in Switzerland

In Switzerland, Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Rutelidae – EPPO A2 List) was first found in the canton of Ticino in June 2017 (EPPO RS 2017/160, RS 2019/157). The site of the finding is located next to the demarcated area of an outbreak detected in 2014 in Italy (RS 2020/116) In July 2020, for the first time, adults of P. japonica were found in high numbers in two vineyards (Vitis vinifera) in the municipality of Genestrerio-Mendrisio (Canton of Ticino). All measures available to eradicate the pest were taken. Nevertheless, larvae were found in the soil close to the infested vineyards in autumn 2020. Based on these findings, the eradication strategy was changed to a containment strategy and a demarcated area was established in November 2020. Phytosanitary measures are applied in the infested area (30 municipalities) they include: restrictions of movement of plant material, of soil, of machinery. Official surveys will be conducted to monitor the pest and appropriate control measures will be applied to limit the prevalence of the pest. A buffer zone of 15 km around the infested area has been defined where measures are also implemented.

The pest status of Popillia japonica in Switzerland is officially declared as: Present, under eradication, only in some part of the country, under containment in case eradication is impossible.

Sources

NPPO of Switzerland (2021-03).

Anonymous (2020) Décision de portée générale sur les mesures d’urgence visant à prévenir la propagation de Popillia japonica Newman dans le canton du Tessin https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/fga/2020/2490/fr