Tuscany implements emergency measures against pine scale insect

The Tuscany Region Phytosanitary Service has issued official phytosanitary measures to combat the spread of the pine turtle scale insect (Toumeyella parvicornis) in the Florence area. The emergency measures target owners and managers of Pinus spp. plants within a delimited zone covering nearly all of Florence, as well as parts of Fiesole and Sesto Fiorentino.

Following investigations by the Regional Phytosanitary Service and the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA DC), the insect was recently identified in several pine plants in central Florence. The North American insect feeds on sap from needles and young branches, causing yellowing, needle loss, and general decline that can lead to tree death.

The updated Action Plan for containing the outbreak includes eradication strategies within 100 meters of infested plants in the affected zone, while containment strategies will be applied to other areas where the infestation can no longer be eliminated.