Environmental groups urge action against invasive scale insect in Italy

Environmental associations in Pisa, including WWF Alta Toscana and Italia Nostra, are calling for urgent action to combat the invasive turtle scale insect (Toumeyella parvicornis). This parasite is causing rapid desiccation in coastal pine groves and urban stone pines.

To address the crisis, associations are supporting the regional introduction of Thalassa montezumae, a predatory coccinellid from the Caribbean selected by CREA for biological control. A world-first experimental field release of this predator recently took place in Naples to evaluate its ecological impact.

In the interim, experts recommend using endotherapy—injecting systemic insecticides or biostimulants directly into the plant's xylem—in urban areas to mitigate damage. Additionally, environmental groups are urging an immediate suspension of massive forestry logging operations, as machinery vibrations and the transport of unpeeled timber increase the risk of passive parasite dispersal.