Update of the situation of Popillia japonica in Italy
In Italy, an outbreak of Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Rutelidae – EPPO A2 List) is under official control in the Ticino Valley Natural Park (in Lombardia and Piemonte regions) (EPPO RS 2020/116). As this pest may easily be transported as a hitchhiker, the Italian NPPO established a trapping network in the regions surrounding the outbreak since 2020 (RS 2020/166). In total 4 adult specimens were caught in traps in the provinces of Parma and Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna region) in 2020 and 5 (4 dead and 1 alive) in 2021, as well as 1 male in a trap located near a motorway service area, 45 km away from the known outbreak in the municipality of Pollein, (Valle d’Aosta region). No signs of the pest on plants were detected.
In July 2021, 1 female was caught in a trap in Sardinia (near the main airport of the island). Additional traps were installed. This finding is considered as an incursion without any establishment to date.
As a result of the 2021 survey, the demarcated area has been increased: the infested zone now covers 14 257 km² and includes a small part of Emilia-Romagna region and the buffer zone includes a part of Valle d'Aosta region. The following phytosanitary measures were applied in the infested zone in 2021:
- adult attract‐and‐kill traps (4 800 traps);
- identification, assessment, and management of the risk of pest spread by human activities in logistics sites, parking lots, airports, etc. Measures applied include insecticide treatments, removal of host vegetation, prohibition of access (551 sites);
- restriction on movement of rooted plants with attached soil;
- implementation of a communication campaign to raise public awareness;
- training programme for officials and professionals.
The pest status of Popillia japonica in Italy is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2021-12).