Biology and natural enemies of Cydalima perspectalis in Asia: Is there biological control potential in Europe?

Abstract

The box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a native pest of box trees (Buxus spp.) in Asia, was first detected in Germany and the Netherlands in 2007 and has since rapidly spread throughout Europe causing severe damage to ornamental and native box trees. To date, sustainable control strategies for C. perspectalis in Europe are lacking, primarily owing to the inadequate information regarding the biology and the ecology of this recent invader. Several studies conducted in Asia, however, may provide important information for the development of management strategies against C. perspectalis, which are urgently needed to preserve the natural box tree forests in Europe. The current literatures on the biological characteristics, host plants, phenology, distribution and control options of the box tree moth in Asia are reviewed, preliminary data on the parasitism of C. perspectalis in Europe are provided, and options for sustainable long‐term solutions for the management of the invasive pest in Europe are discussed.

Spatial Distribution, Genetic Diversity and Food Choice of Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) in Croatia

“…When alien phytophagous insects arrive at a new location, their survival, establishment and spread depend on various factors such as the availability of preferred host plants and the suitability of the local climate [26]. Suitable European climate, widely available host plants and lack of natural enemies [27] have enabled this insect pest to become highly invasive and quickly disperse in its new environment. …”

Defoliation of wild native box trees (Buxus sempervirens): Does box rust (Puccinia buxi) infection influence herbivory, survival and growth of the invasive Cydalima perspectalis?

“…At low elevations in the surroundings of Basel, C. perspectalis has three generations per year (B. Baur, unpubl. data), while at higher elevations with a lower mean temperature and a slightly shorter vegetation period, the moth may only have two generations per year (Wan et al, ). In our field survey, the elevation of the box‐tree forests examined was positively correlated with the distance to the nearest‐situated horticultural box trees in settlements.…”

“…In Europe, the moth was first detected in 2006 in south‐western Germany and the Netherlands, where it was likely introduced with the shipment of plant material from East Asia (Van der Straten & Muus, ). Cydalima perspectalis has subsequently spread throughout Europe except in Fenno‐Scandinavia, northern Scotland and high mountain areas, and in Turkey and the Caucasus up to Iran (CABI, ; Mitchell et al, ; Wan et al, ). Depending on local climate, elevation and latitude, C. perspectalis has one to three generations per year (Nacambo et al, ; B. Baur unpubl.…”

“…data). Damage to box trees is caused by the larvae feeding primarily on leaves and to a lesser extent on bark (Leuthardt & Baur, ; Wan et al, ). Outbreaks of C. perspectalis in invaded areas resulted in severe damage to box trees in private gardens, parks, cemeteries and nurseries, independent on the variety of box tree present (Leuthardt & Baur, ; Leuthardt, Glauser, & Baur, ).…”

“…Outbreaks of C. perspectalis , partly in conjunction with the recent spread of the invasive fungus Cylindrocladium buxicola Henricot (box blight), caused defoliation of large areas of box tree forests in north‐western Switzerland and south‐western Germany in 2010 and 2011, and in the following years in France (John & Schuhmacher, ; Kenis et al, ). Moth populations crashed when food resources became rare (Wan et al, ). However, wild box‐tree forests could not entirely recover due to repeated damage by C. perspectalis dispersing from the surrounding settlements.…”