PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The first large European outbreak of Asian ambrosia beetle (Xylosandrus) and its associated symbiotic fungi in a natural ecosystem occurred in September 2016, in the Circeo National Park in Italy. The infested area included Natura 2000 network sites (7 SCIs) in an area of predominantly Mediterranean maquis - broad-leaved evergreen shrubs or small trees. Two Asian Ambrosia beetle species were discovered: Xylosandrus compactus (black twig borer) digs galleries in young branches and Xylosandrus crassiusculus (granulate ambrosia beetle) in trunks of trees hosting the symbiotic fungi. Infested trees can show wilting, branch dieback and shoot breakage, while death may occur in younger individuals. Among the tree and shrub species affected are Quercus ilex, Viburnum tinus, Ruscus aculeatus, Pistacia lentiscus and Laurus nobilis. The result is a general degradation of the Mediterranean maquis due to desiccation, as has occurred over 13 ha in the Circeo National Park.
OBJECTIVES
The overall aim of the project was to prevent the expansion of the infestation caused by the Asian ambrosia beetle (Xylosandrus), an invasive alien species (IAS) in Europe, and early detect the spread of these invasive species. The project also aimed to disseminate knowledge about Asian ambrosia beetles.
RESULTS
The project contributed to the implementation of the Union Biodiversity Strategies 2020 and 2030 on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) by establishing an EU-wide early warning system and a rapid response mechanism to promptly detect and control the spread of IAS. It also shared good practices for the eradication of the Xilosandrus spp, providing a broad dissemination in the EU regions infested with support of key national and regional stakeholders. Effective and replicable protocols were successfully developed to protect all the vulnerable areas (57,107.68 ha) that may be impacted by Xylosandrus.
The following results were achieved:
- A trapping protocol and 24 X-traps (A1) have been realised and installed in Italy, Spain and France.
- The protocols for associated Xylosandrus compactus and X. crassiusculus fungal detection and for testing their pathogenity were developed and diffused amongst phytosanitary authorities for use.
- At Circeo (Italy) presence of X. crassiusculus per trap per ha was reduced by 99,75%, X. compactus by 99,74%.
- At El Tello (Spain) and surroundings presence of X. crassiusculus per trap per ha was reduced by 85,52%.
- In Antibes, Ile Ste Marguerite and Nice Côte d'Azur (France) presence of X. crassiusculus per trap per ha was reduced with 93,36% and X. compactus by 83,93%.
- The X-platform and the X-App were developed;
- Training and information events reached 140 target people.
- A report on best practices for the integration of remote sensing and GIS spatial analysis into invasive species control and monitoring tools has been published.
- Xylosandrus spp. trapping campaigns have been carried out in Italy, Spain and France according to the local management protocols and plans.
- An extensive replication campaign has been implemented in Italy, Spain and France.
- A comprehensive guideline for Pest and Pathways Risk analysis have been shared with 12 regional plant health agencies in Italy, 2 in Spain and 1 in France; 2 national authorities dealing with plant health in Italy and Spain and 5 in France, two European bodies (EFSA and EASIN) and EPPO, the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization.
- 521 park managers, rangers, inspectors, nursery staff, orchard and garden owners in and around the project areas have been enabled to implement protocols for the containment of IAS spread.
- 27,850 people among citizens living in the neighborhood of the project areas and park visitors were influenced by awareness raising and citizens science activities.
