New buffer zone in the Lörrach district: alarm through Japanketer finds!

New buffer zone in the Lörrach district: alarm through Japanketer finds!

In Baden-Württemberg there is a new cause for concern, because the finds of Japankser in neighboring Switzerland have now also taken care of measures on the German side. The extended buffer zones in the Lörrach district are no longer a theoretical construct, but reality. As GABOT , the new buffer zone runs from the makeshift exit binzen to the Wiesentalbrücke and then in the half-circuit Shortly before Herten. The new buffer zones include Weil-Otlingen, Lörrach and Grenzach-Wyhlen. This creates a zone that leads largely through forest and agricultural areas; Almost two thirds of the area are affected.

What is the reason for these measures? The dreaded Japanese carer (Popillia Japonica) has spread in Switzerland and even in northern Italy in recent years. The authorities fear that the beetle, which has already caused great damage in the United States, could also do a veritable damage in Germany. Measures to combat apply to at least three years after the last couch detection and extends further finds in the event of further finds. So far there have been no evidence of Japanese jokers in the Lörrach district.

malfunction of the Japanese worker

This beetle, which is about one centimeter tall and shimmers metallically green, is targeting over 300 different plants. The affected plants range from decorative and fruit plants to vines to agricultural cultures such as corn. The larvae are particularly feared, which can cause considerable damage to the meadows and lawns by root. Over 400 host plants have already been documented, so that not only gardeners and farmers have to note, but everyone who maintains a garden or a green area.

Current surveillance strategies

The handling of this quarantine pest is clearly regulated. Like Agroscope , the Japanese beer is subject to strict surveillance in Switzerland and also in Liechtenstein. Over 280 attractions were set up in 2024, while more intensive controls were carried out in certain cantons after catches were registered there in previous years. Here, too, it is believed that the beetles often find their spread as "blind passengers" on traffic axes.

The new buffer zones and the associated measures are part of a comprehensive approach to combat these quarantine pestons, which according to BMEL not only noticeable damage to plants, but but also bring high economic costs. The EU has already reacted and took measures to contain further spread. For example, cultivation bans and special regulations for the distribution of plants are determined to prevent the spread of japanese and other pests.

The population is called to actively help. Suspicious beetles should be caught, photographed and frozen to facilitate identification. Photos can be submitted using an online form at the Augustenberg agricultural technology center. If you have a good knack for plants, you should also keep an eye on these pests in order to do a favor to nature and agriculture in the region!