Update on the situation of Toumeyella parvicornis in Italy
In Italy, the pine tortoise scale Toumeyella parvicornis (Hemiptera: Coccidae - EPPO A2 List) was first found in Campania region in 2014 and later in Rome (Lazio region) in 2018 (EPPO RS 2021/082), in Abruzzo and Puglia regions in 2021 (RS 2021/191), in Toscana region in 2022 (RS 2022/083RS 2025/091,RS 2024/128) and in Marche region in 2024 (RS 2025/091).
- Abruzzo
Following surveys from January to March 2026, T. parvicornis was confirmed on symptomatic stone pines (Pinus pinea) in three additional sites in the municipalities Chieti (Chieti province) and Cepagatti (Pescara province) located in the buffer zone of a previous outbreak in Chieti municipality. In January 2026, during surveys, new outbreaks of T. parvicornis were detected on symptomatic P. pinea trees in Rosciano and Alanno municipalities (Pescara province) and in a pine forest in the municipality of Martinsicuro (Teramo province). Phytosanitary measures have been applied in line with the Regional Emergency Plan.
Toscana
In March 2026, a new outbreak of T. parvicornis was reported on 62 recently planted P. pinea in a public square in Firenze.
The outbreak in Tirrenia (municipality of Pisa) found in July 2023 (RS 2024/128) has spread despite the official measures. As of January 2026, T. parvicornis was reported in Viareggio municipality (Lucca province), Collesalvetti municipality (Livorno province) and San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Cascina and Vecchiano municipalities (Pisa province). Eradication of this outbreak is considered impossible due to the size of the infested area (770 ha) and the climatic and environmental conditions. Containment measures are applied.
The pest status of Toumeyella parvicornis in Italy is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned, under containment in case eradication is impossible, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2025-03, 2026-01, 2026-02,2026-03).