Harmful Japanese beetle discovered in Germany

Popillia japonica has been found in a pheromone trap, in a transport area in the southern German city of Freiburg, the Baden-Württemberg phytosanitary service reported. It was a dead specimen, but according to the service, the beetle must have lived to be able to fall into the trap. Last July, a beetle was also discovered in Basel, Switzerland, near Baden-Württemberg, and also there in a pheromone trap in a transport area. According to the South German government, both finds show that the chance of the Japanese beetle being introduced is increasing. Risk locations such as truck parking areas are being monitored more closely. If the population of Japanese beetles grows too large, they can become a pest in agriculture, floriculture and gardens. The insects eat leaves and flowers, such as roses. There are known damage cases in fruit and the larvae can cause damage in maize and grassland. Other European finds According to EPPO, Popillia japonica is now found in Italy, Switzerland and ...