Cherry tree killed by Aromia bungii in Japan
By: Dr Etsuko Shoda-Kagaya, Team Leader for Wood Boring Insects, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Forest Research and Management Organization, Japan.
In Asian countries, the red-necked longhorn beetle Aromia bungii is a common pest of peaches and apricots but was not found in Japan until its first detection there in 2011. After the invasion of this beetle into Japan, it has been found attacking cherries and peaches. It has become a severe fruit pest and also a threat to the symbol of Japan, the Sakura, or ornamental cherry tree. Larvae feed on the cambium of the trunk and damaged trees may die. Soon, the number of damaged trees throughout Japan will reach ten thousand.
An adult female of Aromia bungii
The Aromia bungii Consortium (Representative Institute: the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, National Research and Development Agency of Japan) has been developing protection plans for this invasive pest since 2018. In this project, we are investigating chemical protection of trees, pheromone trapping, early detection methods, with biological control also under testing. Collaboration among researchers and using citizen science to monitor newly-damaged areas is also taking a prominent role in this project.
A damaged peach trunk and larvae of Aromia bungii
This beetle has also invaded both in Germany and Italy since 2011. International exchanges of information on this invasive species are strongly needed.
For more information on the Consortium program in Japan please contact: eteshoda(at)affrc.go.jp
Other useful links:
- CABI datasheet – https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/118984
- Invasive Species of Japan: https://www.nies.go.jp/biodiversity/invasive/DB/detail/60560e.html
- Plant Pest Factsheet: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/assets/factsheets/Aromia-bungii-Defra-PP-Factsheet-May-2017-2.pdf
- Rapid Pest Risk Analysis for Aromia bungii: https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/phiw/riskRegister/downloadExternalPra.cfm?id=3818