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Oct. 19 - Oct. 26, 2003 |
Vaughan and T.O. infested
Maples and fruit trees are put at risk by new Asian beetles
By Francesco Riondino
Originally Published: 2003-10-05
An alarm arrives again from Asia and again it is in regards to health, but fortunately opposite to SARS, this time it involves the well-being of trees. In the bordering zone between Toronto and Vaughan, the first case has been discovered by the infestation of the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALHB), Anoplophora glabripennis.
This pest, which is more or less 2 to 3.5 centimeters of black colour with white markings and long antennae, was found in an industrial area surrounding the arteries and road ways of Hwy. 407, Hwy. 400, Islington Avenue and Finch Avenue, and in the adjacent area.
This beetle doesn't pose any health risk for the public and they won't infest domestic or work places. However, it is noted that it can destroy foliage trees of all kinds like maple, elm, ash, poplar, alder, lime, willow, and fruit trees.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) - the federal agency for agricultural resources and the security of food - in collaboration with the City of Vaughan, the city of Toronto and other federal, provincial, and other private and community organizations, have requested the collaboration of all citizens to prevent the growth of infestation.
This type of beetle destroys trees when its larva is inserted internally into the trunk, causing its death.
Since ALHB can be transmitted through the transport of already infested materials, all garden operations have been suspended. The public has also been requested not to move any tree products which includes leaves, cut branches or grass.
After containing and eliminating this dangerous beetle, certain trees will be removed from public grounds. The owners who are subject to the removal of trees will receive further communications from the CFIA as soon as they have concluded their study in order to define with certainty how much of the zone is infested.
"Today we have various teams that are inspecting trees one by one in all areas near the first sightings," explains Howard Stanley, CFIA Area Import coordinator during an information session organized by the Vaughan Council. "What our experts are looking for," continues Stanley, "are the exit holes created by adult insects in tree trunks, which is more or less as wide as a pencil. Another sign is the small region marked by the deposited egg. This is the place where the larva is born and begins to live off the tree's pulp."
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