The risk of introduction is increasing – the Japanese beetle has already appeared in Croatia

(Photo: Pixabay)

The priority quarantine pest was detected in a pheromone trap placed in the Maksimir Forest Park nature reserve in the administrative area of ​​Zagreb. Popillia japonica has not previously occurred in Croatia, and the competent authorities are currently conducting intensive reconnaissance and targeted observations to determine whether this is an isolated introduction (“hitchhiking”) or an establishment. The source of the infection is not yet known, and Croatian phytosanitary measures do not currently affect trade within the European Union. The detection in Zagreb is of particular importance from a phytosanitary point of view, as the presence of Popillia japonica in Europe has so far been detected primarily in Italy and Switzerland as an established population. It has already appeared in traps in several countries, including in certain areas of Austria and Slovenia, which border us. The appearance of the pest in Croatia further increases the risk of its introduction into Hungary, especially in the spring-summer period, when increased tourist traffic with increased passenger and vehicle movement may facilitate the spread of the species.

Popillia japonica is a pest with an extremely wide range of host plants and causes significant economic and ecological problems

Its establishment may pose a serious threat to domestic agricultural crops, as well as our useful and ornamental plants, therefore the authorities are closely monitoring the developments experienced in neighboring countries. For the purpose of prevention, domestic plant health experts continue to monitor the spread of quarantine pests and priority quarantine pests, including the Japanese beetle, which currently deserves increased attention, by placing species-specific traps. All this can help with early detection and the adoption of effective plant health measures.

The cooperation of the population is particularly important in preventing the introduction and spread of the Japanese beetle

It is extremely important to take into account that it is prohibited to bring plants, plant parts or soil into Hungary upon returning home from a trip or holiday abroad, and a thorough inspection of packages, vehicles and other equipment is also recommended. The adults of Popillia japonica can easily hide on packages, in vehicles or among plants, and can thus be transported across national borders unnoticed, as “hitchhikers”. The introduction and possible settlement of the pest can cause extremely great damage to the domestic flora. Nébih also draws attention to the fact that the detection of the Japanese beetle, as well as the mere suspicion of it, entails a reporting obligation. When suspicious individuals or suspected damage is detected, the competent county government office and Nébih must be notified immediately. Timely reports from the public play a key role in preventing the introduction and further spread of the pest into our country.

Nébih