Alarm in Magdeburg: Pheromone traps against Asian hardwood beetle!

Alarm in Magdeburg: Pheromone traps against Asian hardwood beetle!

In the past few weeks, a lot has happened in the quarantine zone around Magdeburg: Pheromon traps have been in use since the end of May to monitor the Asian hardwood beetle (Alb). These measures are urgently necessary because the State Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture Saxony-Anhalt (LLG) has expected the ALB's flight phase due to a temperature rise. Over 250 traps have now been attached to trees in the region, a significant increase compared to previous years to identify the last infested trees and to contain the pest. gabot informs that the traps attract primarily female beetles, but also male specimens are not reserved.

The weekly control of the traps, which is carried out by the in -house city garden and cemeteries of the state capital Magdeburg (EB SFM) in cooperation with the LLG, includes emptying and refilling with attractants. The traps themselves have a radius of action of around 100 meters. A beetle in the trap is an alarming sign: This indicates the need to look for undiscovered breeding trees in the area. The time reports that these monitoring measures should also serve well in order to stop the spread of the pest.

The Asian hardwood beetle - a secret threat

the Alb, a dangerous pest that was introduced from Asia, has to massively damage the potential to massively damage domestic hardwood types. Within a few years, it can cause entire trees to die, which leads not only for the environment, but also for the local economy. This problem has also led to the determination of strict legal measures: Since January 1, 2020, the Alb has been listed in the Ordinance on Plant Health as a priority quarantine organism, as the communicated.

The fight against pest success not only depends on surveillance and control measures, but also on the active participation of the population. The LLG uses the meeting of technology and community by calling up the citizens to report suspected cases. Unleased patties are to be recognized early, and every message is examined by experts on site.

As part of these measures, summer floor monitoring was also started to control the host plants of the Alb for infestation. There are similar challenges in Switzerland, because there are now several active attacks known there. As in other countries, the Alb can also cause devastating economic and ecological damage there, which is why close controls and preventive measures are essential.

It remains exciting: With Steel and Rick in use against the Asian hardwood beetle, the LLG hopes to put a stop to the pest and to locate the last affected trees in Magdeburg before it can cause further damage.