Update on the situation of Meloidogyne enterolobii in Italy
In Italy, the root knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii (EPPO A2 List) was first detected in March 2023 in imported Ficus microcarpa plants in Toscana region and subsequently eradicated (EPPO RS 2023/085, RS 2023/139). It was then found in a nursery in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia (Province of Catania - Sicilia) (RS 2024/199). Since then, a number of outbreaks have been reported in several regions. In all cases, official measures are applied to eradicate the pest.
- Sicilia
In February 2025 the pest was detected in a nursery in Mascali (Province of Catania) in Ficus microcarpa plants (bonsai) recently imported from China. The infested plants were destroyed. However, in July 2025 the pest was detected again in a nursery bordering the two sites where the pest had been previously found and eradicated.
In April 2025, the pest was detected in Callistemon sp. exported to the Netherlands by a nursery in Giarre (Province of Catania). The presence of the pest was confirmed in the nursery, and the entire lot of plants was destroyed.
- Marche
M. enterolobii was found a garden centre in Pesaro (Province of Pesaro e Urbino) following a traceback survey after an interception in the Netherlands on Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (RS 2025/264). Five out of the six C. lutescens from the infested lot had already been sold to final consumers and could not be retrieved. In October 2025, the remaining plant was found to be infested by M. enterolobii and destroyed.
- Toscana
M. enterolobii was found in a nursery in Pescia (Province of Pistoia) following a traceback survey after an interception on Melaleuca citrina (syn. Callistemon citrinus) and Callistemon ‘masotti’ plants in the United Kingdom. The plants originated in Sicilia.
The pest status of Meloidogyne enterolobii in Italy is officially declared as: Present, in specific parts of the Member State, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2025-12).