RISULTATI DEGLI INTERVENTI DI ERADICAZIONE DI THAUMETOPOEA PITYOCAMPA IN SARDEGNA

Results of the eradication program against Thaumetopoea pityocampa in Sardinia In 2011, an eradication program was initiated in Sardinia in order to prevent the spread of the pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, which was first recorded in the island in spring 2006. The main components of the program were: 1) accurate definition/estimation of the pest spread by a network of pheromone traps; 2) detection and mapping of pine trees and pine forests within the infested area; 3) detection of infested trees through visual inspection; 4) ground insecticides application and physical nest removal on isolated trees; 5) aerial application of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki on pine forests; 6) technical and scientific support to develop the program and to evaluate progress towards successful eradication. The control strategies used were effective and it is reasonable to assume that the pine processionary moth will be eradicated within a few years.