Japanese Beetle Threatens Italian Vineyards and Orchards

The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) has become a serious pest for Italian agriculture. First recorded in Europe in 2014 near Milan's Malpensa airport, the insect has spread across the north‑eastern regions of Lombardy, Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta, where it now infests historic terraced vineyards and fruit orchards. Vintner Luciano Zoppo Ronzero warned that the beetles are climbing the terraces, eating grape leaves and exposing berries to sun, which could reduce yields.

The beetle feeds on more than 300 plant species, has no natural predators in the region, and is listed by the European Union as a priority pest. Entomologist Daniela Lupi of the University of Milan highlighted its rapid expansion into Switzerland and Germany, while populations in France and Spain are still being monitored. The agricultural lobby Coldiretti notes that the larvae also damage grass roots, affecting lawns and sports fields. Damage to leaves weakens photosynthesis, and while exact losses are hard to quantify, the pest poses a growing threat to Italy's wine and fruit production.