A new enemy threatens the orchards

Aromia bungii, or the Asian longhorn beetle, is one of the 46 pests being considered by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for potential inclusion in the list of priority pests in the EU under Regulation (EU) 2019/17022 on protective measures against pests of plants, informs the Center for Risk Assessment on the Food Chain (ЦОРХВ). The pest belongs to the order of Coleoptera, from the family Cerambycidae. The impact of the beetle is mainly related to the feeding of the larvae, which gnaw tunnels in the branches and trunk of trees. As a result of this damage, the circulation of plant sap is hindered, leading to weakening of the tree, reduced growth and fruiting, and in the case of high-density attacks, to the death of the entire plant, warn experts. The state is considering subsidies for treatments against the Black Beetle Aromia bungii mainly attacks old, stressed, or decayed trees, but in Italy, it has also been observed on young and healthy trees. This species of beetle ...