Update on the situation of Aromia bungii in Campania (IT)
In Italy, the presence of Aromia bungii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO Alert List) was first reported in September 2012 in Campania region. The pest was discovered in urban areas between Napoli and Pozzuoli (EPPO RS 2012/204). A. bungii was observed on scattered apricot (Prunus armeniaca), cherry (P. avium), and plum (P. domestica) trees. Numerous larvae at different stages could be retrieved from these infested trees. In order to eradicate the pest, phytosanitary measures were ordered by the Regional Plant Protection Service of Campania and officially published in a regional decree in November 2012. These measures include: 1) destruction of infested trees with the removal and destruction of the stump; 2) insecticide treatments against adult beetles in the infested areas; 3) a specific monitoring programme. In addition, a communication campaign has been launched to inform researchers, growers, municipalities, and the general public about this pest. Posters, brochures, web pages, videos, press releases, papers, TV adverts have been prepared, and meetings are also being organized to inform all interested parties. According to the first results of the monitoring programme, A. bungii has been detected in limited areas in the province of Napoli. It was found on approximately 300 Prunus trees in the municipalities of Napoli, Pozzuoli, Marano, and Monte di Procida. Infested trees (mainly P. armeniaca and to a lesser extent P. avium and P. domestica) were essentially found in private gardens and orchards (sometimes in a state of semi-abandonment) in urban environments.
The situation of Aromia bungii in Italy can be described as follows. Present, first reported in 2012, in several localities in the province of Napoli (Campania region), under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2013-03).
INTERNET
Regione Campania – Assessorato Agricoltura.
Cerambicide dal collo rosso
Decreto Dirigenziale n. 426 del 14/11/2012 ‘Misure fitosanitarie regionali di controllo ed eradicazione di Aromia bungii in Campania ai sensi del Decreto Legislativo 19 agosto 2005, n. 214 et sue modifiche’.