Red alarm level: Japanese drives the fauna in Baden-Württemberg threatens

Red alarm level: Japanese drives the fauna in Baden-Württemberg threatens

The discovery of the Japanese worker in Baden-Württemberg raises concerns about the domestic flora and at the same time represents a challenge for agriculture. The insect type that penetrates into new areas as a "blind passenger" harbors the potential for significant feeding damage.

The threatening movement of the Japanese drums

In July the Japanese worker (Popillia Japonica) was spotted in the border region to Switzerland, where he was already caught thirty copies in Lockfall in Basel. As a result of this discovery, the authorities in Baden-Württemberg became vigilant, since the insects have now also been sighted in Freiburg and Ludwigsburg. Dr. Bernhard C. Schäfer, head of the specialist institute for plant health at the Julius Kühn-Institut, warns: "The situation intensified by the finds in the border town of Basel."

The effects on agriculture and ecosystems

The Japanese beer is more than just an unobtrusive pest; It can damage more than 300 different plant species, which significantly increases its potential damage to agriculture and forestry. The beetle is particularly dangerous due to its flexible food behavior. It can cause large damage to the feeding by eating entire plants. This not only affects the plants themselves, but also on the surrounding ecosystems and the animals living there.

preventive measures are required

To prevent the Japanese power from spreading, the authorities in Baden-Württemberg have already taken preventive measures. Dr. Ophelia Nick from the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) emphasizes the importance of early detection and calls on the population for help. Combating measures include strict surveillance and the request to report suspicious beetles immediately. This includes capturing found insects and bringing it safely to the authority, as well as your own control of vehicles and luggage in infected areas.

The background and important facts

The Japanese beetle is particularly difficult to recognize: the adult animals are only about one centimeter tall and show striking features such as a gold-green dazzling neck shield and brown wing. Their ability to penetrate into new regions unnoticed is the main danger. The previous experience from other countries shows that the pest spreads quickly and is difficult to control once it has established itself. Dr. Schäfer knows: "He can spread up to ten kilometers per year in the early years."

Community actions to combat the pest

The discovery of the Japanese beetle not only alerted the experts, but also sharpened the awareness of the citizens. Community actions for clarification and prevention can help to stop the spread of the insect. Citizens are encouraged to work closely with the authorities and to report suspected cases immediately. The commitment of the civilian population is crucial for the success of control measures and for the protection of the domestic flora.