Research underway in Frontignan to eradicate the “mulberry tree killer”

Les dispositifs sont en place depuis une semaine. – DR

La Ville de Frontignan abrite des tests pour tenter d’éradiquer le longicorne tigre, insecte qui tue les mûriers.

We know that palm trees have to worry about a butterfly that is gradually exhausting them. This has also been the case for several years with plane trees, which are widespread in the area for their beneficial shade, and which are being attacked by the tiger longhorn beetle that bores tunnels all over the tree. To the point of killing it. If the phenomenon is general, the solution may come from Frontignan.

Devices under test

Indeed, as part of the prevention against Xylotrechus chinensis, the city is working in collaboration with INRAE ​​(National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment) on a study that aims to test the effectiveness of pheromone trap tanks. Since Monday, July 22, these new test devices, developed by INRAE, have been installed on certain trees in the – aptly named – avenue des Mûriers. The traps have been positioned high up so as not to be accessible to the public and will be regularly maintained by the municipal services.

88% of the city's trees are contaminated

As a reminder, 88% of the town's mulberry trees are contaminated. Last May, a first series of fellings aimed at protecting and securing the population was carried out, while a replanting operation of trees of different species is planned for November 2024 in order to preserve the tree heritage and continue the policy implemented for the protection of local biodiversity.