2023-10-14 12:17:00
In the Province of Luxembourg, fir plantations are decimated by the cockchafer. Or more precisely by its larvae which gnaw the roots of young plants. Some nursery growers have had to uproot and replant their plots of Nordmann and Spruce trees. Example in Sart near Bertrix.
For several weeks, an invisible enemy has been attacking Didier’s fir trees. Well hidden in the ground, a white worm discreetly devours the roots of young plants.
“It was noted in September that some plants had not recovered well. We realized that there were no more roots“, indicates Didier Poncin, nurseryman.
The chafer larva is present recurrently. But this year, the attacks are very virulent: “We can see on some plants that the roots are there, but on others, they have been completely eaten. The plant therefore no longer feeds and dies“In this plot, 80% of the Christmas trees were affected. It was therefore necessary to turn the soil over to destroy the pest and replace all the plants.”A plant planted costs one euro the first year. We had to replace 30,000…“, explains the nurseryman, who therefore lost 30,000 euros.
The white grub develops in the soil for three years before giving rise to a new generation. With insecticides now banned, fir producers are considering injecting nematodes into the soil. Microscopic worms that destroy the larvae.
Luxembourg
1697352298
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