Eradication of the outbreak of Anoplophora chinensis in Prato (Toscana, IT)
In June 2014, an outbreak of Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A2 List) was found in 2 adjacent areas (approximately 300 m apart) in the municipality of Prato in Toscana region, Italy. This outbreak concerned 2 Acer negundo trees planted in a parking lot and 192 ornamental plants of A. palmatum dissectum in a nursery. All infested plants and potential host plants growing within a radius of 100 m around them (888 plants in total) were immediately destroyed. Since 2014, surveys have been carried out within the demarcated areas (infested zone and buffer zone of 2 km radius), including the use of 60 pheromone traps. As no further specimens or signs of presence of the pest have been detected, the NPPO of Italy considered that the pest has been eradicated from the municipality of Prato. Eradication activities are continuing in other areas of Italy where outbreaks of A. chinensis have been found (Lombardia, Lazio, Toscana).
The pest status of Anoplophora chinensis in Italy is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2018-07).