Attention, foreign trade professionals: This "Pine Forest Killer" is no ordinary threat.

As a seasoned professional in foreign trade, I am well aware of the importance of biosecurity in international trade. Today, I'd like to introduce you to an "uninvited guest"—Sirex noctilioThis seemingly ordinary insect is actually a "pine forest killer" that has frequently appeared at multiple ports in China in recent years. Customs offices in Xiamen, Wuhan, Manzhouli, and Erenhot have all intercepted it.

Sirex noctilio is native to Eurasia and North Africa, belonging to the family Siricidae and genus Sirex. It mainly harms plants of the genus Pinus, especially Pinus radiata, and can also harm Abies, Picea, Larix, etc. Research shows that once it becomes established in China, except for Hong Kong, Macao, and Xinjiang, other regions may be threatened.

II. Getting to Know the "Pine Forest Killer": The True Nature of the Spruce Sawfly

Let's start by getting to know this "killer":

• Adult Characteristics: Large bee - shaped, body length 9 - 36mm, female insects are slightly larger. Male insects are dark blue with metallic luster, and the middle part of the abdomen is orange - yellow; female insects have 21 - segment antennae, and there is a needle - shaped ovipositor at the end of the abdomen.
• Larval CharacteristicsMilky white, S-shaped, up to 30mm long, with a dark brown hard spine at the end of the abdomen.
• Egg Characteristics: White, soft, smooth, about 155mm long.

III. The Threat Should Not Be Underestimated: A Deadly Combination of Fungus and Venom

The damage caused by the spruce sawfly can be described as "insidious":

When the female lays eggs, it injects the symbiotic fungusAmylostere maureolatumInjecting toxic mucus into trees. This "lethal combination" triggers the following chain reaction:

• The fungus causes the sapwood to turn white and decay.
• The mucus causes the needles to wither and turn yellow.
• It blocks the water conduction, drying out the wood.
• Ultimately leading to the death of the tree.

In Australia, the Sirex noctilio has caused 80% of radiata pines over 3 years old to die, and can kill 1.75 million trees aged 10 - 30 years in one year. One can imagine the threat of such destructive power to forestry and the ecological environment.

IV. Transmission routes: Foreign trade practitioners need to be especially vigilant

As foreign trade practitioners, we must pay special attention to the transmission routes of Sirex noctilio:

• Natural Transmission: The adults have strong flight ability, can fly several kilometers, and can be spread even further with the help of wind.
• Artificial Transmission: Eggs, larvae, and pupae can be spread over long distances with host wood materials.

This means thatimported timber and related productsmay become an important channel for the invasion of Sirex noctilio. Currently, this pest has been distributed in many countries and regions around the world, including China.

V. Biosafety Defense Lines for Foreign Trade Enterprises: Three - pronged Approach

As foreign trade practitioners, how should we prevent the invasion of Sirex noctilio? The following are three key measures:

Strengthen the Quarantine of Imported Timber

• Select suppliers with a good reputation
• Require the provision of a complete phytosanitary certificate
• Cooperate with customs inspections, especially for products of host plants such as Pinus and Abies

Conduct Monitoring in the Warehousing Area

• Set up monitoring points at timber import ports and storage areas
• Conduct regular monitoring using professional attractants
• Report to the customs immediately upon discovery of suspicious insects

Ensure Adequate Quarantine Treatment

• Select a qualified quarantine treatment unit
• Supervise the treatment process to ensure standardized operation
• Keep complete treatment records for future reference

VI. Conclusion: The Biosafety Responsibilities of Foreign Traders

In todays increasingly frequent global trade, biosecurity has become an important issue that cannot be ignored in international trade. Sirex noctilio is just one representative of many quarantine pests. As foreign trade practitioners, we are not only participants in international trade but also should be guardians of national biosecurity.

Lets work hand in hand with the customs to jointly build a solid line of defense for national biosecurity and contribute to the protection of Chinas forestry resources and ecological environment. Remember:Every strict quarantine is a safeguard for the beautiful mountains and clear waters of our motherland!

If you find any suspicious organisms during the timber import process, please contact the local customs or forestry department immediately. Lets jointly maintain the biosecurity of international trade!