Alert raised over harmful pest
The Plant Health Department has raised the alert over the Citrus Longhorn Beetle (Anoplophora cinensis) a damaging quarantine pest which has not been reported in Malta but has established a presence in Italy.
It said it was monitoring for any signs of this beetle, so that if it was introduced in Malta, necessary action would be taken immediately."
The natural range of the beetle includes China, Japan and other countries in South East Asia. But it has been moving around the world on ornamental trees imported from Asia.
"They are a threat to horticulture, forestry and also to citrus production in the Mediterranean. Worth mentioning is the outbreak of the beetle that occurred in Lombardia, Italy. Eradication measures have included the destruction of hundreds of mature trees," the department said.
Adults of the Citrus Longhorned beetle are large (21–37 mm long) and black with variable white markings. Their antennae are longer than their bodies and are black with white/light blue bands. These beetles spend most of their life (ranging from one to two years, in Asia), as larvae inside a trunk or root, and hence there can be little or no sign of their presence to anyone inspecting a host tree.
The most obvious symptoms of the damage caused by these insects are exit holes which are typically 6–11 mm in diameter and are generally found towards the base of trunks.
The department said anyone suspecting the presence of the pest should report on 25904312 or 23397222/3. Further details on the biology and symptoms of this insect can be found on www.planthealth.gov.mt
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Carina Dimech
Sep 11th 2008, 12:29
Dear Dr. Marica Gatt
Whilst agreeing with you that open and immediate communication with the public is the first step towards effective crisis managment i also agree with Ms. Vincenti that some dratic measures must be taken on the importation of such trees.
Many people have been forced to fell trees that cost a lot of money to buy again (incidently these are bought from the people/companies who actually brought these bugs to our island thanks to their carelessness) What measures are being taken to refund us this money? At least have the decency to introduce stringent regulations and harsh penalties for anyone caught circumventing these regulations. We DEMAND it
Dr. Marica Gatt (Director - Plant Health Department)
Sep 10th 2008, 22:26
As indicated in the Press Release issued by the Plant Health Department (MRRA), the Citrus Longhorn Beetle is considered as a quarantine pest. The importation of this pest and of possible hosts for this pest is in fact restricted as per Council Directive 2000/ 29 and as specified in local regulations, namely Legal Notice 97 of 2004. Furthermore, the Department feels that public awareness and dissemination of information is an important tool to combat the introduction of such alien species. Any queries on this pest and on any other harmful organism can be directed to the Department on 25904312
francesca vincenti
Sep 10th 2008, 14:05
It seems that the way any situation is dealt with on this rock is through a crisis management policy. Bluntly said, we live amongst a few (not all) business bullies here who would scream & throw a tantrum if, in this case, the department of agriculture/government were to impose a strict "no importation" policy on citrus trees until further notice.
It is the same thing for any other issue that requires a backbone decision. Whether it's billy the beetle, hunting, blatant littering of our sea & land, illegal immigration, vehicles choking our air or the age old problem of those ugly squatter green huts making our shoreline look like Mumbai, it all comes down to the fact that putting 'our foot down' would mean the risk of losing votes! Having said that, I think I'll go find myself a nice piece of land with unobstructed seaviews, I'll build a structure and then demand connection to water, electricity & drainage & erect a 'privat keep out' sign... Flatmate anyone?
Manuel Micallef
Sep 9th 2008, 19:52
Don't we have proper controls on plant importation in this country? I believe abroad they keep imported plants in quarantine before they release them..... and there are proper checks done.
S. Abela
Sep 9th 2008, 18:08
I had seen what looks like this beetle, some 6 months ago, on the trees next to BIM ltd, going towards the cometary (near docks entrance on the other side). I recall we were stuck in the traffic and I noticed this beetle with long antennae. It was such a surprise to see such a strange looking creature that I remarked about it to people who were in the car with me, however the traffic moved off the, However I don't recall it having white spots. It was just a strange looking beetle, with long antennae and its body was black and quite longish. Spooky.
Joe Azzopardi
Sep 9th 2008, 18:06
These last few years, we have had a number of new indestructible pests, with untold damage to our horticulture and agriculture, and we shall continue to get others, unless the government does what is done,for example ,in Australia. Stop all importation of trees,shrubs,seedlings,potted plants ,etc. These pests are hidden in the foliage, stems and trunks. No amount of certification will exclude this,100%.
Victor Zammit
Sep 9th 2008, 17:20
Great, all that we need. Now not even citrus trees might get destroyed if if comes to Malta. After the beetle eating our mulberry trees (sigar tat-tut), and the palm one, this will get targeted. At this rate, not even the prickly pear will be safe!!