New outbreak of Anoplophora chinensis in Lombardia, Italy
The NPPO of Italy recently informed the EPPO Secretariat that a new outbreak of Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A2 List) has been found in Lombardia region. In August 2016, a small infestation was found in the municipality of Sirmione (province of Brescia). As a result of intensive surveys, 29 trees (Acer saccharinum, Acer palmatum, Acer negundo, Corylus sp.) growing in parks and gardens were found to be infested by A. chinensis with a low level of damage. The identity of the pest was confirmed by morphological and molecular methods. The origin of this outbreak is unknown. It is recalled that in the province of Brescia, 2 other outbreaks have been detected (Montichiari in 2007 and Gussago in 2008). As in all other cases, phytosanitary measures were immediately taken to eradicate the pest in accordance with EU Implementing Decision 2012/138.
The pest status of Anoplophora chinensis in Italy is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the member state concerned.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2016-11).