First report of Euwallacea fornicatus in Italy
In April 2020 in the botanical gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, in the municipality of Merano (Autonomous Province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige region, Italy), symptoms caused by Euwallacea fornicatus (Coleoptera: Scolytinae, EPPO A2 List) were observed in a greenhouse. The infested plants were tropical crop plants, 2 specimens of each of the following species were found to be infested: Annona muricata, Bixa orellana, Theobroma cacao, Debregeasia edulis, Cananga odorata. The plants showed bore holes and ejected wooden debris. Official phytosanitary measures are being taken: all infested plants will be felled and incinerated. Visual inspections will be conducted in the area and, if necessary, lure traps will be installed.
The pest status of Euwallacea fornicatus in Italy is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2020-04).