First report of Paysandisia archon in Italy
The presence of Paysandisia archon (Lepidoptera: Castniidae – EPPO Alert List) is now reported from Italy. This palm borer was first noticed near Salerno in Campania region at the end of November 2002 (Espinosa et al., 2003), but no damage was reported there. In autumn 2003, in the province of Ascoli Piceno, Marche region, workers reported damage on palms due to ‘big white’ larvae. Investigations revealed the presence of P. archon (Riolo et al., 2004). In many nurseries of this province, severe damage and plant mortality were observed, leading to 90 % loss of production. During extensive inspections of nurseries carried out in autumn 2003, P. archon was found on Chamaerops humilis, Trachycarpus fortunei, Phoenix canariensis and Washingtonia.
Sources
Personal communication with Prof. G. Pellizzari, Universitá di Padova, IT, 2005-01.
Espinosa, P.; Di Miuccio, P.; Russo, G. (2003) Paysandisia archon, una minaccia per le nostre palme.
Informatore Agrario, no. 7, p 61.
Riolo, P.; Nardi, S.; Carboni, M.; Riga, F.; Piunti, A.; Ferracini, C.; Alma, A.; Isidoro, N. (2004) [Paysandisia archon (Lepidoptera: Castniidae): first report of damage of the dangerous palm borer on the Adriatic coast.]
Informatore Fitopatologico, no. 10, 28-31.