EXCLUSIVE: Japan to Tackle Spread of Invasive Beetle Species

Tokyo, Sept. 9 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government has outlined a draft strategy for combating the red-necked longhorn beetle, which damages fruits and roadside trees, Jiji Press learned Wednesday. Setting a goal of stopping the expansion of and starting to reduce areas with damage from the insect, designated as an invasive alien species in the country, by 2030, the outline calls on the Japanese government to provide technical and financial support to local governments to substantially strengthen countermeasures. The strategy is expected to be finalized by a relevant central government task force. The red-necked longhorn beetle, native to East Asia, is about 30 millimeters long. In Japan, the beetle was found for the first time in 2012, in the central prefecture of Aichi. It is believed to have entered Japan in cargoes on ships bound for the country. The insect has high fertility, with a female adult laying more than 1,000 eggs in summer. The outline shows concerns about the impact on tourism, such as the beetle causing cherry blossom trees to die, on top of damage to fruits such as plums and peaches. Measures cited by the outline to curb the expansion of the beetle’s habitats include cutting down damaged trees, killing larvae and spraying pest control chemicals. Prefectural governments were mainly asked to take these measures. The national government will develop control methods, dispatch experts to affected areas and extend sufficient financial aid. The state will also consider expanding support for steps to prevent an expansion in habitats and initial control measures. In collaboration with universities and other research institutions, the government aims to develop trees that are less susceptible to damage and chemicals with high preventive effects. The outline advises 22 prefectures that have suffered damage from by the beetle to draw up regional pest control plans promptly. These plans will include pest control targets, with municipalities taking charge of assessing damage, giving necessary advice and guidance to farmers, and raising awareness among local residents. Unaffected prefectures are also asked to take action, such as compiling pre-emptive measures and steps enabling early detection of damage. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]