Veneto steps up monitoring of invasive Japanese beetle to protect crops

The Veneto region's agricultural authority issued a notice on 15 July 2026 outlining the current status of the invasive Popillia japonica, a quarantine beetle that attacks leaves and fruits of more than 300 plant species, including grapes, peaches and apples. While the pest poses no direct risk to human or animal health, its potential to damage high‑value crops has kept alert levels high. Monitoring data show the beetle population remains limited and no significant crop losses have been reported, so extraordinary measures are not required at present.

Regional officials advise producers to conduct frequent visual inspections and consider targeted phytosanitary treatments if adults are observed. Effective active ingredients include acetamiprid, pyrethroids, chlorantraniliprole, lambda‑cialotrina and a pyrethrin formulation for organic farms. Citizens and field operators are asked to report beetle sightings through the region's online portal. The use of attractant traps by private individuals is prohibited, though authorised “Attract & Kill” devices may be deployed in mapped infestation zones. The regional plant health service, together with the Universities of Verona and Padua, will reinforce the monitoring network with additional traps and mass‑capture actions in the coming days.