Situation of Anoplophora chinensis in Italy
In Italy, the presence of Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A2 List) has been reported in Lombardia (provinces of Milano, Varese, Brescia) and in Lazio (city of Roma) where it is subject to eradication measures (e.g. destruction of symptomatic trees, prohibition to move host plants from demarcated areas).
In Lombardia, results of official surveys carried out in 2010 showed that A. chinensis was detected on 3;310 trees in 32 municipalities in the provinces of Milano (23 municipalities), Varese (7 municipalities) and Brescia (2 municipalities). Maps showing the demarcated areas in Lombardia can be viewed on the Internet:
http://www.agricoltura.regione.lombardia.it/shared/ccurl/123/895/Brescia_Anoplophora.pdf
http://www.agricoltura.regione.lombardia.it/shared/ccurl/264/615/MI_VA_Anoplophora.pdf
In the city of Roma (Lazio region), official surveys carried out in 2010 showed that A. chinensis was detected on 8 trees (Acer, Aesculus, Corylus, Platanus, Ulmus) located within the infested area already demarcated. All infested trees and potential hosts located in their immediate vicinity were destroyed, except 3 very old Platanus because of their patrimonial value. On those trees, a metallic net was placed over the trunk and roots to prevent the escape of possibly emerging adults. A map showing the demarcated areas in the city of Roma can be viewed on the Internet: http://www.lazioanoplophora.it
In 2011, further specimens of A. chinensis were found within the already demarcated area in Roma. In July 2011, signs of infestation (i.e. exit holes, saw dust) were detected on 3 Chaenomeles speciosa plants in a private garden and 5 adult specimens of A. chinensis were captured close to these plants. In September 2011, infested plants of Rosa were also observed in the same garden. All infested Chaenomeles and Rosa plants were uprooted and destroyed.
The situation of Anoplophora chinensis in Italy can be described as follows: Present, found in several localities in Lombardia (provinces of Varese, Milano, Brescia) and in one area in Lazio (city of Roma), under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2011-05, 2011-07).
INTERNET
Servizio Fitosanitario Regional. Regione Lazio.
Ritrovamento di Anoplophora chinensis su piante di Rosa spp. en la zone di infestazione di Roma. http://www.lazioanoplophora.it/images/stories/scheda
Ritrovamento di Anoplophora chinensis su piante di Chaenomeles spp. en la zone di infestazione di Roma. http://www.lazioanoplophora.it/images/stories/tarlo