A series of activities have been performed in order to contrast the spread and reduce the abundance of A. chinensis in the northern part of the Lombardy region
The Regional Phytosanitary Service has the responsibility for deciding which trees have to be cut down, and should signs of infestation be detected, the area of tree cutting has to be extended to 100m2 around the infested trees. Moreover, owners of infested private nursery tree areas are obliged to use insecticide treatments for the entire period of the presence of the adults of A.chinensis. If a public or private body intends to cut down the infested plants independently, it must do the following: a) communicate to the Regional Phytosanitary Service the operational plans at least 2 working days in advance, b) destroy all waste wood by incineration or chipping (in the case of incineration, it is necessary to produce the traceability of destruction), and c) destroy all the stumps and roots with a diameter of at least 1 cm. Alternatively to the final point, it is possible to devitalize stumps and roots through an intervention with a devitalizing substance. After devitalizing the stump and the surrounding land up to about two meters from the stump or from the last outcropping root, it must be covered with a fine knitted wire mesh. The net must remain in situ for at least two years and it must be checked from June to the end of August. Finally, it is forbidden to move wood trees belonging to several sensible genera outside the infested area. An intensive awareness campaign was promoted to sensitise the citizens to the problems caused by the long-horned beettle.
Resources needed
Public funds
Evidence of success
The actions performed against Anoplophora chinensis have managed to contain its expansion in Lombardy, limiting its presence only to those areas where it was accidentally introduced for the first time. Nowadays in Lombardy, the long-horned beetle is not present in the rest of the region because of the actions performed.
Potential for learning or transfer
Considering that Anoplophora chinensis is a serious threat for ornamental plants, fruit plants and forestry ecosystems, the active contrast to this species is crucial and it is necessary to use all possible actions that can limit its expansion. The actions performed by the Lombardy Region Phytosanitary Service cover all the needed aspects to contrast an invasive alien species, from eradication and monitoring activities to increasing citizens’ awareness.
Tags: Agriculture, Awareness, Biodiversity, Citizens, Ecosystem, Environment, Invasive species
