We have now entered the dormant months and the bare root/rootball trading season is underway. As always we should source Irish grown plants and trees from the excellent nursery operators throughout Ireland. Where this is not possible, we need to ensure we import from reputable sources which meet the strengthened plant health requirements set out in the new Plant Health Regulation ((EU) 2016/2031), which came into effect on the 14th December 2019. This is especially true for our native oak tree following our first interception of Thaumetopoea processionea, Oak Processionary Moth (OPM), in June of 2020.
This pest was found on Quercus patrea, which was imported from Belgium. The caterpillars were removed from the tree and destroyed. The infected tree and the associated batch was destroyed. An intensive survey, involving trapping and visual inspection was carried out in the area and there were no other findings.
Ireland has a Protected Zone for Oak Processionary Moth. As part of the new plant health regulation, plants for planting of Quercus L, other than Quercus suber, with a girth of at least 8cm measured at a height of 1.2m above the root collar must comply with at least one of the following requirements:
- the plants have been grown throughout their life in places of production in countries where Thaumetopoea processionea L. is not known to occur, or
- the plants have been grown throughout their life in an area free from Thaumetopoea processionea
- L. established by the National Plant Protection Organisation in accordance with relevant International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, or
- the plants have been grown throughout their life in a site with complete physical protection against the introduction of Thaumetopoea processionea L. and have been inspected at appropriate times and found to be free from Thaumetopoea processionea L.
After recent exchanges with other EU Member States (MS), it is the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine’s (DAFM) understanding that other MS cannot meet the new criteria. Therefore, it is not possible to import Quercus with a girth of at least 8cm measured at 1.2m above the root collar to Ireland.
Quercus plants under 8cm girth when measured at 1.2m above the root collar can still be imported from other MS.
Furthermore, there is a requirement to pre-notify all importation of Oak to DAFM at least 48hrs in advance of its arrival. The following particulars of each consignment are required:
- Intended date of their landing into the State
- Intended destination
- Genus, species and quantity
- Identification number of the supplier of the plants
- Country from which they have been
These strengthening measures on the importation of Oak will help to protect our protected Zone for OPM and give our industry the opportunity to become an exporter of Quercus within Ireland’s protected Zone.
When purchasing trees ensure that they are delivered with a valid plant passport, which sets out the traceability of the product.
Email any notifications or queries to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the following email address: plantandpests@agriculture.gov.ie.
