Diabrotica virgifera virgifera found for the first time in Toscana (IT)
The NPPO of Italy recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae – EPPO A2 List) in Toscana region. The pest was found in the municipality of Dicomano (Province of Firenze). Phytosanitary measures are being taken in the demarcated zones to contain the pest, in accordance with the EU Decision 2003/766/EC (and its successive amendments).
The situation of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in Italy can be described as follows: Present, first found in 1998 near Venezia airport, now occurring in Northern Italy (Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Liguria, Lombardia, Piemonte, Toscana, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto) and in Lazio (1 outbreak). Under official control.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2010-12).
Commission Decision 2003/766/EC of 24 October 2003 on emergency measures to prevent the spread within the Community of Diabrotica virgifera LeConte.