Pest categorisation of Ips cembrae.

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Entomology
• Forestry
• Pest Risk Analysis

Background:

• Ips cembrae (large larch bark beetle) is a native European pest primarily affecting larch, pine, and spruce species.
• This beetle is present in 16 EU Member States and is subject to protected zone regulations in Greece, Ireland, and the UK.
• It spreads via wood products and flight, attacking weakened trees but capable of mass-attacking healthy ones during high population densities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a pest categorisation of Ips cembrae for the European Union.
• To evaluate its status as a potential protected zone quarantine pest and regulated non-quarantine pest.

Main Methods:

• Pest categorisation based on established criteria for EU plant health regulations.
• Review of distribution, pathways, biology, and impact of Ips cembrae.
• Assessment against criteria for regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) and protected zone quarantine pest (PZQP).

Main Results:

• Ips cembrae meets all criteria for consideration as a potential protected zone quarantine pest.
• Plants for planting were not identified as a major pathway, thus not meeting criteria for a regulated non-quarantine pest.
• The beetle exhibits one to two generations per year and has expanded its range in Europe.

Conclusions:

• Ips cembrae poses a significant risk and warrants strict quarantine measures to prevent its spread into protected zones.
• Current control methods include sanitary thinning and clear felling.
• Further monitoring and regulatory action are necessary to manage this expanding forest pest.