Distribution of Cameraria ohridella in Italy
In 1997, investigations were carried out in north-eastern Italy to determine the distribution and infestation levels of the horse chestnut leafminer Cameraria ohridella. In Italy, the presence of C. ohridella was first reported in 1992, in Dobbiaco (=Toblach, province of Bolzano, Trentino Alto-Adige; see EPPO RS 96/211). It was later found in several places in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and in Veneto. It was observed that the pest is widespread in all three regions with a discontinuous distribution and various infestation levels. It is felt that the introduction and spread of C. ohridella is essentially due to passive dispersal by vehicles coming from infested areas, and then to natural spread. It is expected that the leafminer will continue to spread to other regions in Italy. In order to protect horse chestnuts in the urban environment, the authors felt that plant protection authorities will have to carry out careful monitoring of insect pest populations, and that control measures may have to be applied (including insecticide treatments and complete removal of fallen leaves in autumn).
Sources
Pavan, F.; Zandigiacomo, P. (1998) [Distribution of Cameraria ohridella Deschka and Dimi¹ (Lepidoptera Gracillariidae) in Italy and infestation levels on horse chestnut]
Informatore Fitopatologico, no. 11, 57-60.