- Debut in Basel: Worms as Controller for Japanese Beetles
To combat the expanding Japanese beetle issue, Basel, a major city in Switzerland near the German border, is experimenting with nematodes for the first time. A business specializing in this field applied a nematode-filled solution onto the grassy areas using a sprayer. These microscopic worms aim to neutralize the harmful larvae of the pest residing in the soil. Simon Leuenberger, head of the green space maintenance department in Basel, expressed optimism about this approach, mentioning that the effectiveness will only be apparent the following year after soil samples are analyzed.
Leuenberger expressed hope that this method would curb the Japanese beetle's spread within the city. However, the outcomes won't be clear until next year, as soil samples will be taken for examination.
These pests feed on approximately 300 plant species.
A Japanese beetle population was discovered in the city midway through the year. Consequently, Lörrach, a German district situated along the Rhine, expanded its precautions. Lörrach now has an infested area, with plant debris being left untouched temporarily.
The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) is a pest classified by the EU. The destructive insect mainly impacts viticulture, horticulture, and agriculture. It ravages orchards, vineyards, forests, gardens, and green spaces, and consumes over 300 different plant species. Experts believe the James beetle entered the Ticino region in Italy back in 2017, later spreading to other Italian regions. This year, some Japanese beetle specimens were captured in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, sparking fears that it might have been brought into the country via freight traffic.
The experimental use of nematodes in Basel's green spaces is aimed at addressing the issue in agriculture, as the Japanese beetle poses a threat to various plants, including crops. If successful, this method could potentially become a beneficial practice in agricultural pest management.
