EPPO Platform
on PRAs

Express PRA for Lyctus africanus

Description

The beetle Lyctus africanus is endemic in Africa and so far, it does not occur in Germany and very likely not in the EU. So far, it is not listed – neither in the Annexes of Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 nor by the EPPO. Lyctus africanus infests various tropical and subtropical trees and wood. Due to inappropriate climatic conditions and very likely the lack of host plants in Germany and Central Europe, it is assumed that L. africanus is not capable to establish outdoors. The establishment in south European Member States cannot be totally ruled out but the risk is assessed as low. Eventually, the establishment in protected cultivation (tropical greenhouses) would be possible. The transfer from infested wooden packaging to plants under glass seems very unlikely. Thus, Lyctus africanus is not classified as a potential quarantine pest and Article 29 of the Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 does not apply. The destruction or disinfection of the infested material is recommended in order to exclude a risk for tropical greenhouses one the one hand and on the other hand to guarantee that infested imported sawn wood is not processed to finished products (interior construction, mouldings etc.).

Organisms

  • Lyctus africanus

Files

Type File Size
Pest Risk Analysis Download 424,29kB

PRA Area

  • Germany