Beetle pest poses significant threat
It is the first leaf beetle of its kind to become established in Europe, and was initially discovered damaging foliage crops in Kerry in 2007. It is now commonly found in many areas of Co Cork.
Predictions of the pattern of spread suggest that it is only a matter of time before it is established throughout the island, posing a biosecurity risk also to the UK and mainland Europe.
The colourful beetle defoliates eucalyptus trees, and even small amounts of damage renders eucalyptus foliage crops unmarketable. In the absence of natural control, insecticide applications have been Cork.
Predictions of the pattern of spread suggest that it is only a matter of time before it is established throughout the island, posing a biosecurity risk also to the UK and mainland Europe.
The colourful beetle defoliates eucalyptus trees, and even small amounts of damage renders eucalyptus foliage crops unmarketable. In the absence of natural control, insecticide applications have been this solution would retain valuable market share and profitability for foliage growers, help the biomass and short rotation forestry sectors, and would enable resumption of biological control of the psyllid pest.
There would also be positive environmental benefits, and a reduced likelihood of the beetle spreading to neighbouring countries.
“Our research is investigating whether it is safe to release the biological control agent into Ireland. We are investigating its response to Irish weather conditions, its success in attacking the pest species and the extent to which it will only attack the pest species. This work will also inform future control strategies if similar leaf beetles are accidentally introduced into Europe,” said Dorothy Hayden of Teagasc and UCD, one of the team investigating the eucalyptus leaf beetle threat.
