Further details on the outbreak of Anoplophora chinensis in Roma (IT)
As reported in EPPO RS 2008/184, Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A2 List) was detected for the first time in the city of Roma. In July 2008, 15 specimens (males and females) were found on 12 plants (7 Acer negundo and 5 Aesculus hippocastanum). Most insects were found in the Parco di San Sebastiano. In order to better understand the biology of the pest, a metallic structure (22.5 m long x 5 m wide x 2 m high) supporting a wire net (wire of 1 mm diameter and mesh size of 0.5 cm) has been built around 3 infested trees of Acer negundo. These trees, cut at 1.5 m height for convenience, will be observed for a period of 3 years. Some other infested trees will be cut in sections of 20 cm long to study the number, position and orientation of larval galleries inside the wood. These wood sections will also be placed under the metallic net for further study. In the infested area, all infested trees and susceptible host trees have been mapped using GIS systems. Intensive surveys continued in Roma in parks and gardens within a radius of 2 km around the infested area, and at the end of 2008 27 Acer negundo and 7 Aesculus hippocastanum trees were found infected. At present, it is estimated that the outbreak covers approximately a circular area of 700 m diameter (i.e. 0.4 km²). Infestations have only been observed on Acer negundo and Aesculus hippocastanum. All infested trees and susceptible trees located within a 20 m radius will be destroyed (from October 2008 to April 2009). If roots cannot be extirpated from the soil, chemical treatment will be applied and soil covered with a metallic net for at least 2 years. Intensive surveys will continue in the city of Roma in 2009.
Sources
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NPPO of Italy, 2009-02.
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