Update on the situation of Aromia bungii in Campania and Lombardia, Italy
In Italy, Aromia bungii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 List) was first found in Campania region (province of Napoli) in 2012 on Prunus spp. (EPPO RS 2012/204) and subject to phytosanitary measures. In 2018, the pest was also found on the island of Procida (province of Napoli). Official measures have been taken to contain the pest in the main demarcated area of the province of Napoli (since October 2018), and to eradicate it on the island of Procida. During the 2018 official survey conducted in private and public areas, 210 Prunus plants were found to be infested (128 P. armeniaca, 63 P. domestica, 9 P. avium, 1 P. persica and 9 other Prunus species) in 13 municipalities and the island of Procida. All infested trees were destroyed. In 2018, no adult specimens were caught in traps and official inspections of garden centres (located in the demarcated area) were negative. During 2018, four seminars were organized to raise awareness of professionals about this pest.
In 2013, A. bungii was also detected in Lombardia region (EPPO RS 2013/187). Two adult specimens were observed next to the trunk of a peach tree which had been felled. Phytosanitary measures have been taken since 2014 to eradicate the pest. During the 2018 official survey conducted in private and public areas, 43 Prunus plants in the demarcated area presented suspicious symptoms and 19 of them were confirmed to be infested (12 P. domestica, 5 P. persica, 1 P. armeniaca and 1 P. serotina) in 3 municipalities. All infested trees have been destroyed.
The pest status of Aromia bungii in Italy is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned, under eradication (under containment, in case eradication is impossible).
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2019-05-07 and 2019-05-08).