Update on the outbreaks of Anoplophora chinensis in Italy
The NPPO of Italy recently provided an update on the situation of Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A2 List) in the two regions where the pest has been found.
Lombardia region
Anoplophora chinensis was found for the first time near Parabiago, province of Milano in spring 2000 (EPPO RS 2001/101), and it then spread to other provinces of Lombardia. Surveys conducted in 2009 showed that A. chinensis occurs in 32 municipalities in the provinces of Milano (23 municipalities), Varese (7) and Brescia (2). In 2009, the pest was detected in 2 new municipalities: Settimo Milanese in 4 trees and Ossona in 34 trees. All infested trees were subsequently removed. From February to April 2010, more than 7 000 trees were destroyed in Lombardia (i.e. an average of 100 trees per day). Maps of the delimited areas (focus and buffer zones) in Lombardia can be viewed on the Internet:
http://www.agricoltura.regione.lombardia.it/shared/ccurl/123/895/Brescia_Anoplophora.pdf
http://www.agricoltura.regione.lombardia.it/shared/ccurl/264/615/MI_VA_Anoplophora.pdf
Lazio region
As reported in RS 2008/194, A. chinensis was detected in July 2008 on several trees in a public park (Parco Comunale di Via Porta San Sebastiano) in the city of Roma, and eradication measures were put into place. In June 2010, 2 adults of A. chinensis (1 dead beetle, 1 living female) and 1 Ulmus tree showing 2 exit holes were found in the infested area. In July 2010, another adult of A. chinensis was caught in a private garden, and a single exit hole was detected on a horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum). All infested trees, as well as the potential hosts located within a radius of 20 m, were destroyed. All findings were made within the already delimited focus area.
The situation of Anoplophora chinensis in Italy can be described as follows: Present, found in several localities in Lombardia (provinces of Varese, Milano, Brescia) and in one site in Lazio (city of Roma), under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2010-04, 2010-07, 2010-08).