Tuscany and Pisa launch funds to protect pine forests from invasive insects

Authorities in Tuscany and Pisa are launching significant interventions to protect pine forests from the invasive turtle scale insect. The Tuscany Region has allocated 500,000 euros to support efforts within the Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Park, building upon previous funding to combat this environmental threat.

In the city of Pisa, the municipality is investing 207,000 euros to treat approximately 2,600 domestic pine trees. These efforts utilize endotherapy, a method involving direct injections into the tree trunks to deliver insecticides through the plant's lymphatic flow to the canopy.

The treatments target trees in public roads, parks, gardens, and school areas. Officials emphasize the importance of coordinated action between local municipalities and regional authorities to create a barrier against the parasite, which has already caused extensive damage to pine forests in other Italian regions.