Update on the situation of Anoplophora chinensis in Italy
In Italy, Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A2 List) was first found in 2000 in several localities in Lombardia (provinces of Varese, Milano, Brescia), Lazio (1 site in Rome), and Toscana region.
- In Lazio, A. chinensis was first found in 2008 in the city of Rome (EPPO RS 2009/048). Eradication measures were applied. Surveillance carried out during the last 5 years did not detect any new infested plants. As a result, in February 2019, A. chinensis was considered eradicated from Lazio.
- In Pistoia (Toscana region), the pest was found in 2017 (EPPO RS 2018/029). Eradication measures are being applied. Intensive surveys are being carried out in the demarcated area. No new infestation or symptoms were found in 2018.
- In Prato (Toscana region), an outbreak was found in 2014 and considered eradicated in 2018 (EPPO RS 2018/139). In July 2019, a new outbreak was found in a public garden in Prato. Symptoms (exit holes and sawdust on roots) were observed on 20 Acer negundo and 1 Corylus trees. Eradication measures according to EU Decision 2012/138/EC are being applied. The biomolecular analysis showed that the genetic features are different from the other A. chinensis found in the region (outbreaks of Prato 2014, eradicated, and Pistoia 2017).
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 (2019-02, 2019-06, 2019-08).