There have been further findings of a non-European bark beetle known as the Monterey Pine Engraver (Pseudips mexicanus) in Ireland, which was first found in Co. Clare in December 2023, foresters have been informed.
In December 2023, the DAFM issued a notification of the finding of the Monterey Pine Engraver. The beetles were found in Ireland for the first time in bark beetle traps in conifer plantations in the Cratloe area in Clare.
In a technical note issued to foresters, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) said additional trap findings of the beetle have been made within and close to the demarcated area in Clare and Limerick.
Following the first finding of the bark beetle in December 2023, and in accordance with EU and national plant health legislation, a 10km demarcated area was established by the DAFM around the traps where the beetles were found.
The DAFM said “intensive follow-up surveys” continued in early 2024 with a single finding in a dead pine tree in February 2024. Since then, further trap findings have been made within and close to the 10km demarcated area in Clare and Limerick.
“These findings do not necessarily represent a spread of the beetle, rather the findings made by the department are from a wider survey aimed at delimiting the presence of the beetle following the initial findings.
“Following these findings, the department has enlarged the demarcated area, on the same basis as the original demarcated area was established, i.e. using a 10km radius outward from the new trap findings,” the DAFM technical note states.
Pine trees are the host of this beetle in its native range in Central America.
Trapping surveys with lures are ongoing in the current area of focus. A national network of traps has also been established outside the demarcated area. No wider national findings of the beetle were made following a first round of surveys, the DAFM said.
DAFM
The DAFM said it will continue to implement the requirements of the EU Plant Health Regulation 2016/2031, including the implementation of a contingency plan.
As was the case previously, movement restrictions will apply to pine wood that is not bark-free originating in the demarcated area, the DAFM told foresters earlier this month.
“The movement restrictions are being put in place to avoid situations where potentially infested wood may be traded out of the area, facilitating the spread of the beetle, if it happens to be present undetected,” the DAFM said.
Foresters were also informed that the DAFM is developing systems and protocols to facilitate the felling, movement and processing of this material and will be in contact with foresters again to keep them updated.