Basel relies on threadworms: New plan against the Japanese worker

Basel relies on threadworms: New plan against the Japanese worker

In the city of Basel, a unique approach to combat a growing pest plague is pursued. The local authorities have decided to use threadworms, also called nematodes, to defeat the voracious Japanese worker, which is an increasing problem in the region. These microscopic worms are not only fascinating, but also an innovative biological solution to contain pests. A special company was commissioned to exude a solution that contains the nematodes on public green areas and in parks. This is done at a critical time, since the Japanese beer not only eats through Switzerland, but also represents a serious threat to agricultural areas in Germany.

Simon Leuenberger, head of the department for the care of green spaces in Basel, expressed itself optimistic to the news agency dpa: "We hope to contain the Japanese beetle. However, it will only be shown in the coming year whether we will be successful." In order to check the effectiveness of the treatment, soil samples are to be removed. With this measure, the city hopes to control the spread of the Japanese beer and possibly stop before it can cause greater damage.

The voracious invasive: Japanese worker in Switzerland

The Japanese worker, scientifically known as Popillia Japonica, is an invasive pest that is a major problem not only in Switzerland, but also in other parts of Europe and the USA. It eats through orchards, vineyards and even the lawn of FC Basel. The larvae of the beetle, which feed on roots, are particularly worrying. The adult beetles, on the other hand, prefer leaves, flowers and fruits and cannot even be deterred by ornamental plants like roses.

Although the damage that the Japanese can do is serious in agriculture, according to estimates by the Swiss Radio SRF, the current “infestation area” is still manageable. The first finds have been in Ticino since 2017, and further copies in Kloten and Zurich have recently been discovered. However, the question of whether the beetle was introduced over infested lawns remains unanswered.

safe application of nematodes

thread worms are about a millimeter and belong to a group of organisms, of which there are up to 20,000 different species. Many of them, especially the predatory nematodes of the genus Heterorhabtitis, have proven to be useful in horticulture. These worms are completely harmless to humans and other animals and represent an effective way to combat harmful larvae.

The application of the nematodes requires patience. Threadworms cannot immediately remove all pests, which means that treatment should be carried out over two to three years to steadily reduce the populations. Interestingly, private individuals can also order nematodes online to protect their own gardens.

In Germany, the Lörrach district has already taken measures to prevent the spread of the Japanese agent. Here "infestation and buffer zones" were set up, in which no crushed plant material may be moved. These zones are intended to help contain the spread of the pest. In addition, in Baden-Württemberg there have been finds of the Japanese worker in recent years, which is suspected as a blind passenger, which was introduced by various means of transport.

The Japanese beetle is more than just a local problem; He has spread from Japan via the United States to Europe and has been spotted in Italy since 2014. In recent years, the beetle has become increasingly wide in Switzerland. Basel's decisions to follow a biological approach with threadworms could serve as a model for other cities that fight with similar plagues.