Aree Protette Alpi Cozie

Adult individual of Popillia japonica - www.regione.piemonte.it

On Tuesday, July 15, the presence of Popillia japonica was detected for the first time in the territory of our agency, particularly near the Lago Piccolo di Avigliana. The observation occurred during a routine monitoring conducted by technicians from the Institute for Wood and Environmental Plants (IPLA), coordinated by the regional Phytosanitary Sector.

Popillia japonica, a beetle native to Japan, is a highly invasive species, first reported in 2014 in the Ticino Park. It is a polyphagous insect that can feed on more than 300 plant species, including grapevines, hazelnuts, elms, alders, chestnuts, roses, and many ornamental species and fruit plants. Adults feed on leaves, leaving them skeletonized, while larvae develop in the soil, attacking the roots of lawns and crops, compromising their vitality.

The presence of this insect in a protected area like that of the Avigliana Lakes poses a threat to the natural and tourist heritage of the park, as well as to nearby agricultural activities.

To counter the spread of Popillia japonica in gardens, vegetable patches, and family orchards, the recommended action is the manual collection of adults from the plants and the possible targeted use of biological treatments (such as the use of entomopathogenic nematodes against larvae in the soil) or authorized chemical treatments in urban and agricultural contexts.

Further and more detailed information can be found on the dedicated page of the Piemonte Region: https://www.regione.piemonte.it/web/temi/agricoltura/servizi-fitosanitari-pan/lotte-obbligatorie-coleottero-scarabeide-giappone-popillia-japonica-newman

Attachments:

open_in_new Information sheet of the Piedmont Region

What to do about Popillia japonica?

869.6 KB

Popillia japonica at Lake Piccolo di Avigliana: situation, risks, and containment measures

Attachments:

You might also be interested in...