Update on the situation of Aromia bungii in 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 in 2018, on the island of Procida (province of Napoli). It was also detected in 2013 in Lombardia region (EPPO RS 2013/187). All outbreaks are under eradication.
The NPPO of Italy recently informed the Secretariat of the finding of A. bungii in Lazio region, in the municipality of Civitavecchia. Following a citizen report, two apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca) were found to be infested in two small private gardens located in an urban area in June 2020. No adults were found. An adult specimen had been crushed by the owner of the garden and the remains were used to carry out a molecular analysis to confirm the identity of the pest. Eradication measures in accordance with Decision (EU) 2018/1503 are being applied, including the felling of infested plants and all specified plants within a radius of 100 meters from infested plants. Few Prunus trees are grown for nearby private gardens, but there are no nurseries near the outbreak.
The pest status of Aromia bungii in Italy is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned, under containment, in case eradication is impossible.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2020-07).
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1503 of 8 October 2018 establishing measures to prevent the introduction into and the spread within the Union of Aromia bungii (Faldermann) OJL 254, 9-18 http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2018/1503/oj