The role of the stakeholders in the horticultural sector is fundamental to stem
the dangerous Xylosandrus infestation

The installation phase of traps for Xylosandrus spp. has been completed, as part of the SAMFIX project (SAving Mediterranean Forests from Invasions of Xylosandrus beetles and associated pathogenic fungi) co-funded by the LIFE program of the European Union, with the Institution National Park of Circeo, project-leader.

“The monitoring activity began in all the regional parks involved (Monti Aurunci, Monti Ausoni, Riviera di Ulisse, Parco dei Castelli Romani, Tor Caldara) and the Reserve of Castelporziano. – SAMFIX project manager, Daniele Guarneri from the Circeo National Park Authority, explained – The capture protocol is necessary to monitor and stem the dangerous infestation: It is only by activating specific protocols that eradication or containment of the current infestations can be obtained and future expansion prevented. This invasive alien species of bark beetle can cause serious damage, especially to the nursery gardening that deals with species of the Mediterranean vegetation”.

A fundamental role in the monitoring activity was in fact played by stakeholders in the horticultural sector, with regards to the critical issue concerning the biodiversity of protected areas and also the economic sphere of those economic players whose activity can be affected by this pathology. The monitoring activity was preceded and also involved a program of activities and initiatives of awareness, education and information.

The project is the result of a collaboration between the entire territory and the scientific bodies involved: Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (France); Lazio Region – Regional Directorate for Natural Capital, parks and protected areas (Italy); Terrasystem Srl (Italy); Universidad De Alicante (Spain); University of Tuscia (Italy); Ville d’Antibes Juan-les-Pins (France).