First report of Xylotrechus chinensis in Italy
In July 2023 the Plant Health Service of Lombardia (Italy) conducted a survey to verify some reports from researchers and citizens about the presence of Xylotrechus chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO Alert List) in Brescia Province.
Visual inspections were carried out on 225 plants in 9 municipalities: Salò, Roè Volciano, Gavardo, Prevalle, Muscoline, Puegnago sul Garda, Manerba del Garda, San Felice del Benaco, Calvagese della Riviera. Only mulberry (Morus sp.) plants were found with signs of the presence of X. chinensis and these were observed in 7 out of those 9 municipalities (not in Manerba del Garda and in Calvagese della Riviera). In total 36 Morus trees were found to be infested. No plants belonging to the genera Pyrus, Malus and Vitis were found infested. On the 24th of July 2023 the Phytopathological laboratory of Lombardia confirmed the presence of X. chinensis. This is the first record of this pest in Italy. On the 25th of July 2023 5 traps were placed to verify lure attractiveness. A surveillance program has been activated via the website www.fitosanitario.regione.lombardia.it and the citizen-science app FitoDetective.
As the pest is already present in 7 municipalities and has a high capacity for natural spread, the NPPO considered that it is not possible to eradicate it.
The pest status of Xylotrechus chinensis in Italy is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2023-08).