Invasive Kubiaka beetle sparks alerts and control project for Japanese cherry trees

Japanese authorities in Kagawa Prefecture have issued warnings to agricultural producers about the spread of the invasive Kubiaka beetle, which threatens crops and native insects. The beetle has also been linked to damage in vineyards in north‑west Italy, prompting heightened monitoring.

Keihan Engei, a horticultural services firm, launched a project to protect cherry trees in the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Shiga) from the beetle. The initiative offers tree diagnosis, preservation plans, and integrated pest‑control measures such as trunk injection of the pesticide “Revive,” targeted spraying, and protective netting to block adult beetles from laying eggs. The company aims to safeguard the iconic cherry blossoms that are central to local scenery and tourism.