Worrying news,lavae of the Asian Longhorn Beetle have been found just 20miles from me.They were found during a routine survey by the forestry commission in a Poplar tree in the Paddock Wood area Kent.22 trees have been confirmed as infected and so far an area of 20 acres has been cleared of potential host trees.It is thought they were brought in amongst wood packaging from China. The only good thing is that it's easy to spot the adult,though obviously of little consequence.
All species of Acer are host species. That includes A. palmatum and A. japonicum. I hope it doesn't get any closer to you.
* * Sigh * * Are they never going to learn?? That sort of stuff should have been banned 30 years ago when they first realised it could carry pests.
It's a viscious circle.40% of Poplar plantations are infested in China,meaning the wood is only fit for packaging! Naturally I'm concerned for my own plants but the bigger picture could be far worse,we really don't want this pest ripping through our countryside.
