Abstract
Simple SummaryXylosandrus germanus (Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) has been recorded attacking grapevines (cv Glera) in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG area (Vidor, Veneto, Northern Italy). Here, we documented the first case of this invasive species damaging Vitis vinifera in Italy, supplying the second record ever in Europe. The type of the attack is illustrated and the possible causes of the onset of the infestation are discussed. In addition, an updated checklist of world Scolytinae attacking Vitaceae is provided. A total of 34 scolytine species, in eight tribes and fifteen genera, are recorded.The invasive ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus germanus (Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) is recorded for the first time infesting wine grapes in Italy. The type of the attack is illustrated and the possible causes of the onset of the infestation are discussed. Furthermore, given the continuously increasing number of alien wood-borer beetles introduced worldwide, we provide and discuss the updated world checklist of Scolytinae attacking Vitaceae, and Vitis sp. in particular.
Highlights
António Onofre CostaWood-boring insects can cause substantial damage to cultivated crops, fruit and ornamental trees [1]
In mid-September 2019, several grapevine plants showed serious symptoms of decline, such as loss of grapes, leaf staining and defoliation. Careful inspection of such plants revealed a massive attack by X. germanus, with abundant tunneling along the entire trunk of the infested plants and copious emission of white frass cylinders (“noodles”) from the penetration holes
The concrete wall delimiting the field might have played a key role in stressing the rows of grapevines in its vicinity, working as physical barrier that probably limited the normal flow of rainwater and dispersion of residual moisture
Summary
Wood-boring insects can cause substantial damage to cultivated crops, fruit and ornamental trees [1]. Coleoptera and Lepidoptera are the orders hosting the highest number of wood-boring species developing on Vitaceae Juss., 1789, with many species recognized as pests on Vitis spp. worldwide (e.g., [2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10]). It is a wellfounded opinion that X. germanus was introduced and spread outside its territory of origin through timber trade and plants-for-planting [19]. This species may attack more than 200 species among plants and trees [20]. The entire development of the offspring takes place in the chamber and each nest can host multiple individuals at different life stages; insect development takes approximately 30 days and the number of generations per year can vary between two and three depending on the environmental conditions [25,26,27]
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