Updated situation of Anoplophora glabripennis in Marche region, Italy
At the beginning of August 2013, an outbreak of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 List) was discovered for the first time in Marche region, Italy (see EPPO RS 2013/189). The pest was first found in the municipality of Grottazzolina (Fermo province) on a maple tree (Acer sp.) in a private garden. Intensive surveys were then undertaken, focussing more particularly on the following tree genera: Acer, Aesculus, Betula, Populus, Salix, Ulmus. Inspections of other potential hosts were also carried out. Signs of A. glabripennis infestation were detected in 80 sites (located in the municipalities of Grottazzolina and Magliano di Tenna), in public and private gardens in urban and rural areas. Infested plants belonged to the genera Ulmus, Acer, Aesculus, Salix, Populus and Betula. The heaviest attacks were found on Ulmus campestris (a common tree in rural landscapes) and on Acer spp. An outbreak area and a buffer zone of 2 km radius were delimited. Since the beginning of 2014, all infested trees and potential hosts have been georeferenced.
At the same time, the destruction of infested plants was initiated. A single grinding and chipping station has now been set up inside the demarcated area. According to a regional decree, the following phytosanitary measures are being taken in the Marche region:
- felling of infested plants and asymptomatic host plants within a radius of 50 m around infested plants;
- prohibition to move any potentially infested material outside the demarcated areas;
- prohibition to plant susceptible hosts within the demarcated areas;
- obligation to notify any new findings.
In addition, citizens and stakeholders were informed about the presence of A. glabripennis in Marche region and encouraged to report any sightings. Several meetings were organized and information material was produced and distributed to raise public awareness (see website: http://www.assam.marche.it/servizi1/fitosanitario/fitosanitario/emergenza-fitosanitaria/99-anoplophora-glabripennis-tarlo-asiatico-del-fusto
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2014-02).