Situation of Anoplophora chinensis in Italy
In Italy, Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 list) was first reported in 2000 in a nursery at Parabiago (north of Milano in Lombardia; see EPPO RS 2001/101). After this first record, it was discovered in a student collection of insects that the same species had been collected in 1997 in the area of Parabiago. Since then, surveys have been carried out in Lombardia and phytosanitary measures applied. In 2004, A. chinensis was found in 13 municipalities (provinces of Milano and Varese) on an area of approximately 90 km2. Further details can be found on the EPPO website in a note kindly provided by Maspero et al. in February 2005. Later in the year, A. chinensis was discovered in 3 new municipalities (again in the provinces of Varese and Milano). During this survey, 1229 plants showing symptoms were newly observed. In Lombardia, A. chinensis is mainly found on Acer, Carpinus, Betula, Fagus, Corylus, Platanus and Lagerstroemia. In the infested areas which have been delimited, phytosanitary measures are the following: complete destruction of infested trees, on some trees when destruction cannot be done wire mesh nets are applied around trunks and above the soil to trap any adults emerging from the trunk or roots, plantation of preferred host plants (see above) is prohibited, compulsory insecticide treatments of host plants are applied at regular intervals, trade and movements of host plants inside infested areas are prohibited. General information to the public is also provided. Host plants of A. chinensis imported from China, Korea and Japan are also submitted to a quarantine period of 2 years. In 2006, the eradication campaign is continuing and it is planned to destroy 1000 trees and to give compensation to the owners.
The situation of Anoplophora chinensis in Italy can be described as follows: Present, found in several localities in Lombardia (provinces of Varese and Milano), under official control.
Sources
Caremi G, Ciampitti M (2006) Il coleottero Anoplophora chinensis in Lombardia: diffusione e strategie di controllo. Atti Giornate Fitopatologiche 2006 I, 205-210.
Maspero M, Jucker C, Colombo M, Hérard F, Lopez J, Ciampitti M, Caremi G, Cavagna B (2005) Current situation of Anoplophora chinensis in Italy.