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ELENA COSTI

Ricercatore Legge 240/10 - t.det.
Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita sede ex-Agraria

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Pubblicazioni

2024 - Climate and landscape composition explain agronomic practices, pesticide use and grape yield in vineyards across Italy [Articolo su rivista]
Geppert, Costanza; da Cruz, Mariana; Alma, Alberto; Andretta, Lucia; Anfora, Gianfranco; Battaglia, Donatella; Burgio, Giovanni; Caccavo, Vittoria; Chiesa, Serena Giorgia; Cinquatti, Francesca; Cocco, Arturo; Costi, Elena; D'Isita, Ilaria; Duso, Carlo; Garonna, Antonio Pietro; Germinara, Giacinto Salvatore; Bue, Paolo Lo; Lucchi, Andrea; Maistrello, Lara; Mannu, Roberto; Marchesini, Enrico; Masetti, Antonio; Mazzon, Luca; Mori, Nicola; Ortis, Giacomo; Peri, Ezio; Pescara, Guerino; Prazaru, Stefan Cristian; Ragone, Gianvito; Rigamonti, Ivo E.; Rosi, Marzia Cristiana; Rotundo, Giuseppe; Sacchetti, Patrizia; Savoldelli, Sara; Suma, Pompeo; Tamburini, Giovanni; Garzia, Giovanna Tropea; Marini, Lorenzo
abstract

Context Worldwide, organic farming is being promoted as one of the main alternatives to intensive conventional farming. However, the benefits of organic agriculture are still controversial and need to be tested across wide environmental gradients. Objective Here, we carried out an observational study to test how agronomic practices, pest management, environmental impact and yield of conventional and organic vineyards changed along wide climatic and landscape gradients across Italy. Methods We used a block design with 38 pairs of conventional and organic vineyards across Italy. Results and conclusions Most agronomic practices did not differ between conventional and organic vineyards. By contrast, landscape composition and climate were strong predictors of management in both systems. First, increasing semi-natural areas around the vineyards reduced pesticide pressure and related environmental impacts, but was also associated with lower yield. Second, irrespective of the farming system, a warm and dry climate was associated with reduced fungicide pressure. Conventional farming had a yield gain of 40% in cold and wet climate compared to organic but the yield gap disappeared in the warmest regions. Significance In both farming systems, we observed a large variability in management practices that was mainly explained by climate and landscape composition. This large variability should be considered when evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of different farming systems under contrasting environmental contexts.

2023 - Controllo biologico di Halyomorpha halys con parassitoidi oofagi esotici e nativi in Emilia-Romagna. [Articolo su rivista]
Tommasini, M. G.; Preti, M.; Bombardini, E.; Rufolo, E.; Fagioli, L.; Manucci, F.; Mirandola, D.; Fabbri, G.; Vaccari, G.; Caruso, S.; Masetti, A.; Costi, E.; Maistrello, L.
abstract

2023 - Interactions between egg parasitoids and predatory ants for the biocontrol of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys [Articolo su rivista]
Schifani, E.; Giannetti, D.; Costi, E.; Franconi, G.; Campostrini, A.; Maistrello, L.; Grasso, D. A.
abstract

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is an Asian species that has become a major agricultural pest in North America and Europe. Ants from the genus Crematogaster are predators of H. halys nymphs in Asia, as well as in the Mediterranean, where known native predators are still few. At the same time, ants usually do not harm H. halys eggs, which are the target of the main biological control agents, the scelionid parasitoids of the genus Trissolcus. However, ants, as generalist predators and territorial organisms, may kill or displace a variety of other insects, potentially interfering with parasitoids and biological control programmes. We conducted laboratory experiments to investigate the interactions between the Mediterranean ant Crematogaster scutellaris and the parasitoids T. japonicus and T. mitsukurii, evaluating the possibility that the ants could damage the parasitized eggs, attack the parasitoids during emergence or interfere with the egg-laying behaviour of female parasitoids. Our results demonstrate that C. scutellaris is not able to damage parasitized eggs and is not aggressive towards adult parasitoids at any stage. The presence of ants can slow down the parasitization rate in T. mitsukurii females in the smallest laboratory setups; however, this has not been observed in a more natural setting. We suggest that ants may play a complementary role together with egg-parasitoids in the control of H. halys without interfering with each other.

2023 - Monitoraggio e gestione di Halyomorpha halys: i risultati della ricerca in Emilia-Romagna. [Articolo su rivista]
4. Preti, M.; Vaccari, G.; Fagioli, L.; Pradolesi, G.; Caruso, S.; Manucci, F.; Mirandola, D.; Bombardini, E.; Landi, M.; Civolani, S.; Coltorti, M.; Gallinucci, E.; Forresi, C.; Golfarelli, M.; Costi, E.; Maistrello, L.; Pozzebon, A.; Tommasini, M. G.
abstract

2022 - Biocontrol implications of multiparasitism by Trissolcus mitsukurii and Trissolcus japonicus on the invasive brown marmorated stink bug [Articolo su rivista]
Costi, Elena; Di Bella, Emanuele; Iotti, Daniele; Maistrello, Lara
abstract

The egg parasitoids Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) and Trissolcus mitsukurii (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) are the most effective biocontrol agents of the invasive agricultural pest Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in its native range (east Asia). Trissolcus japonicus and T. mitsukurii are sympatric in the native areas. In northern Italy, where H. halys is a major pest of fruit orchards, adventive populations of both species are spreading, and T. japonicus is artificially released under a classical biocontrol program against H. halys. This laboratory study aimed to assess the outcome of competition when both species share the same resource and possible implications for the biocontrol of the invasive stink bug. Egg masses of H. halys were offered to each parasitoid after previous parasitization by the other species. Parasitoid behaviour, number of ovipositions, and successfully developed parasitoids were recorded. Additionally, contest behaviour was assessed when both species were released simultaneously on the same egg mass. Results showed that both T. japonicus and T. mitsukurii were able to parasitize an egg mass already parasitized by the other species. Competition occurred within the host eggs and each species outperformed the other when it was the first to oviposit. Importantly, the overall contribution to H. halys mortality was not affected by the interaction between parasitoids, as non-parasitized eggs were 4–6% in the absence of competition and <8% in its presence, respectively. When simultaneously released on the egg mass, T. mitsukurii was more aggressive, engaging in chase-off events in 71% of cases compared to 50% of T. japonicus.

2022 - Biological Parameters, Phenology and Temperature Requirements of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in the Sub-Mediterranean Climate of Western Slovenia [Articolo su rivista]
Rot, Mojca; Maistrello, Lara; Costi, Elena; Trdan, Stanislav
abstract

Simple Summary The invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys, native to East Asia, has become one of the most damaging agricultural pests worldwide. After being first detected in Europe (in Switzerland), it is now widely spread throughout the European continent and many countries in Eurasia. Since its first appearance in Slovenia in 2017, it has caused extensive damage to fruit and vegetable production. Investigating the biology and behavior in local environmental conditions is the first step towards effective pest control. Information on the number of generations per year is crucial for anticipating critical phases of pest development and for adapting control measures that target the pest’s vulnerable life stages. A 3-year study (2019–2021) on the biological parameters of H. halys was performed outdoors in Nova Gorica (western Slovenia), confirming that in the sub-Mediterranean climate this pest has two overlapping generations per year. The net reproductive rates observed over the period studied indicate growing populations. The highest population growth was recorded in 2019, when the net reproductive rate of increase (R0) reached 14.84 for the summer generation and 5.64 for the overwintering generation. These findings reflect the current situation in Slovenia, where the growing populations of H. halys has been causing considerable damage to agricultural crops since 2019. Abstract In the last decade, the invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys, native to East Asia, has become one of the most serious pests for agricultural crops worldwide. First detected in Europe (in Switzerland), the insect is now widely found across the European continent and many Eurasian countries. Since its first appearance in Slovenia in 2017 it has caused considerable damage to fruit and vegetable production. Understanding the biology and behavior in the local environmental conditions is of key importance for an effective pest management. Knowledge of the voltinism of the species is crucial to anticipate critical phases of pest development and for adapting control measures that target the vulnerable life stages of the pest. A 3-year study (2019–2021) of H. halys biological parameters was performed outdoors in Nova Gorica (western Slovenia), confirming that in the sub-Mediterranean climate this pest has two overlapping generations per year. The net reproductive rates observed in the studied period indicate growing populations. The highest population growth was recorded in 2019, when the net reproductive rate of increase (R0) reached 14.84 for the summer generation and 5.64 for the overwintering generation. These findings match the current situation in Slovenia, where increasing populations of H. halys and severe crop damage have been observed since 2019.

2022 - Indagini sulla parassitizzazione di Halyomorpha halys in Emilia Romagna nell’ambito del progetto “Haly.Bio" [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Maistrello, L.; Costi, E.; Di Bella, E.; Masetti, A.; Bittau, B.; Lami, F.; Zaniboni, A.; Torreggiani, D.; Vaccari, G.; Caruso, S.; Casoli, L.; Preti, M.; Rufolo, E.; Landi, M.; Fagioli, L.; Manucci, F.; Fabbri, G.; Ferrari, R.; Zoboli, F.; Bariselli, M.; Tommasini, M. G.
abstract

Because of the extensive damage caused by the invasive Halyomorpha halys on the fruit system of northern Italy, it is urgent to identify effective management strategies with a low environmental impact. The PSR "HALY.BIO" project is focused on the implementation of biological control of H. halys in Emilia Romagna, and was developed by pursuing the following objectives: a) verifying the presence, distribution and impact of egg parasitoids capable to parasitize H. halys eggs; b) investigating the settlement and diffusion capacity of exotic parasitoids, considering in particular the effect of the releases of Trissolcus japonicus. The partial results of the project (still in progress) are presented, in terms of distribution maps for the different parasitoid species and their parasitization efficacy on H. halys and non-target species in different contests.

2021 - Assessing the Distribution of Exotic Egg Parasitoids of Halyomorpha halys in Europe with a Large-Scale Monitoring Program [Articolo su rivista]
Zapponi, Livia; Tortorici, Francesco; Anfora, Gianfranco; Bardella, Simone; Bariselli, Massimo; Benvenuto, Luca; Bernardinelli, Iris; Butturini, Alda; Caruso, Stefano; Colla, Ruggero; Costi, Elena; Culatti, Paolo; Di Bella, Emanuele; Falagiarda, Martina; Giovannini, Lucrezia; Haye, Tim; Maistrello, Lara; Malossini, Giorgio; Marazzi, Cristina; Marianelli, Leonardo; Mele, Alberto; Michelon, Lorenza; Moraglio, Silvia Teresa; Pozzebon, Alberto; Preti, Michele; Salvetti, Martino; Scaccini, Davide; Schmidt, Silvia; Szalatnay, David; Roversi, Pio Federico; Tavella, Luciana; Tommasini, Maria Grazia; Vaccari, Giacomo; Zandigiacomo, Pietro; Sabbatini-Peverieri, Giuseppino
abstract

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is an invasive agricultural pest with a worldwide distribution. Classical biological control has been identified as the most promising method to reduce the populations of H. halys. Adventive populations of two candidates for releases, Trissolcus japonicus and Trissolcus mitsukurii, have recently been detected in Europe. To assess their distribution and abundance, a large-scale survey was performed. From May to September 2019, a wide area covering northern Italy and parts of Switzerland was surveyed, highlighting the expanding distribution of both Tr. japonicus and Tr. mitsukurii. Within four years after their first detection in Europe, both species have rapidly spread into all types of habitats where H. halys is present, showing a wide distribution and continuous expansion. Both exotic Trissolcus showed high levels of parasitism rate towards H. halys, while parasitization of non-target species was a rare event. The generalist Anastatus bifasciatus was the predominant native parasitoid of H. halys, while the emergence of native scelionids from H. halys eggs was rarely observed. The presence of the hyperparasitoid Acroclisoides sinicus was also recorded. This study provided fundamental data that supported the development of the first inoculative release program of Tr. japonicus in Europe

2021 - Lotta biologica classica alla cimice asiatica con Trissolcus japonicus: indagini di dettaglio su impatto ed efficacia della parassitizzazione in Emilia-Romagna [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Maistrello, L.; Costi, E.; Di Bella, E.; Violi, M.; Vaccari, G.; Caruso, S.; Casoli, L.
abstract

2021 - Native and non-native egg parasitoids associated with brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys [stål, 1855]; hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in western slovenia [Articolo su rivista]
Rot, M.; Maistrello, L.; Costi, E.; Bernardinelli, I.; Malossini, G.; Benvenuto, L.; Trdan, S.
abstract

Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), native to East Asia, has become a globally invasive pest, as a serious threat to agricultural production and a notorious nuisance pest in urban areas. Considerable efforts have been made so far to develop effective pest control measures to prevent crop damage. Biological control of this invasive stink bug by egg parasitoids has proven to be the most environmentally sustainable long-term solution. Knowledge of the native egg parasitoid fauna is of key importance when implementing a biological control program. Therefore, the main objective of our study was to detect egg parasitoid species associated with H. halys in the Goriška region (Western Slovenia) and to evaluate their impact on the pest population under field conditions. In the years 2019 and 2020, around 4600 H. halys eggs were collected in the wild and more than 3400 sentinel eggs were exposed to detect parasitoids in the field. Five egg-parasitoid species emerged from H. halys eggs: Anastatus bifasciatus (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), Telenomus sp., Trissolcus basalis, Trissolcus mitsukurii (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) and Ooencyrtus telenomicida (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), all of them are new records for Slovenia. The native species, An. bifasciatus, dominated in urban and suburban areas, while non-native Tr. mitsukurii prevailed in agricultural areas. Overall parasitism rates of naturally laid eggs by the parasitoid species complex in 2019 and 2020 was 3.0 and 14.4%, respectively. Rapid recruitment of native parasitoids, early detection of an effective alien parasitoid species and increasing overall parasitism rates are very encouraging results, which need to be followed and verified in future research.

2020 - Rilasci inondativi del parassitoide autoctono Anastatus bifasciatus per il controllo di Halyomorpha halys in Italia [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Maistrello, L.; Costi, E.; Di Bella, E.; Vaccari, G.; Caruso, S.; Casoli, L.; Preti, M.; Landi, M.; Bombardini, E.; Moretti, C.; Tommasini, M. G.; Bariselli, M.; Butturini, A.; Haye, T.
abstract

INUNDATIVE RELEASES OF THE NATIVE PARASITOID ANASTATUS BIFASCIATUS FOR THE CONTROL OF HALYOMORPHA HALYS IN ITALY The brown marmorated stinkbug Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) is an invasive polyphagous insect that is difficult to manage, and very harmful especially to fruit crops. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of inundative releases with the autochthonous parasitoid Anastatus bifasciatus for the biological control of H. halys. Between June and July 2019, weekly releases with density of 1 female/m2 were carried out in two areas (one near Modena, the other near Ravenna) on the arboreal-shrub vegetation adjacent to integrated management orchards. Parasitization was assessed in the release and control areas by exposing both fresh and frozen sentinel egg masses. The average parasitization did not exceed 9.4% in the release area; no significant differences were detected with the control areas. Among the various types of sentinel egg masses, the parasitization was higher on fresh naturally laid ones. Critical issues arose in verifying the effects of the release of generalist parasitoids.

2020 - Variation in levels of acceptance, developmental success, and abortion of Halyomorpha halys eggs by native North American parasitoids [Articolo su rivista]
Costi, Elena; Wong, Warren; Cossentine, Joan; Acheampong, Susanna; Maistrello, Lara; Haye, Tim; Talamas, Elijah J.; Abram, Paul K.
abstract

Using native North American parasitoid species (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) that often unsuccessfully attack the eggs of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), we assessed variation in traits that may determine the parasitoids’ ability to adapt to the invasive host by either exploiting or avoiding H. halys eggs (acceptance, developmental success). We also assessed variation in the parasitoids’ ability to induce H. halys host egg abortion, which may contribute to biological control of H. halys in invaded areas. The first set of experiments evaluated intra- and interspecific variation using standardized laboratory tests with iso-female lines of Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus euschisti that included matching of detailed behavioural observations of acceptance with developmental outcomes. In a second set of experiments, we assessed how variation in developmental ability and abortion induction may affect levels of biological control by indigenous parasitoid species. We examined a broader sample of parasitoids that emerged from field collections of egg masses of an indigenous north American stink bug Podisus maculiventris in a region newly invaded by H. halys. Results from the first set of experiments showed high levels of acceptance of H. halys eggs among iso-female lines of parasitoids, but offspring development success was almost zero. H. halys egg abortion due to unsuccessful parasitism was often very low and varied among iso-female lines only for T. podisi. In the second set of experiments we never observed increases in abortion levels of Halyomorpha halys eggs above natural levels, even for the two species (T. euschisti and T. podisi) that were observed to oviposit in and abort H. halys eggs in the first set of experiments. We conclude that while there may be some variation in behavioural and physiological parameters mediating acceptance and abortion of H. halys eggs by native North American egg parasitoids, there does not appear to be significant variation in developmental success. Moreover, current biological control impact of H. halys eggs via host egg abortion is likely very low.

2019 - Approccio multidisciplinare per contenere la cimice asiatica. [Articolo su rivista]
Tommasini, M. G.; Maistrello, L.; Vaccari, G.; Nannini, R.; Bortolotti, P.; Caruso, S.; Casoli, L.; Vergnani, S.; Preti, M.; Montanari, M.; Landi, M.; Simoni, M.; Costi, E.; Di Bella, E.; Bulgarini, G.; Masino, F.; Antonelli, A.
abstract

2019 - Can Anastatus bifasciatus Be Used for Augmentative Biological Control of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Fruit Orchards? [Articolo su rivista]
Stahl, Judith M.; Babendreier, Dirk; Marazzi, Cristina; Caruso, Stefano; Costi, Elena; Maistrello, Lara; Haye, Tim
abstract

The generalist egg parasitoid Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is the most prevalent egg parasitoid of the invasive Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Europe. To assess its efficacy against the pest H. halys and to validate the potential risks for non-target species in a realistic field setting, inundative releases were conducted over three consecutive years in four fruit orchards in Switzerland and Italy. In total, more than 4300 A. bifasciatus females were released, which was equivalent to 11,000 to 26,000 females per hectare, depending on distances between trees in each orchard. Parasitism of freeze-killed sentinel H. halys eggs achieved with the current release strategy was on average 6% (range: 2%–16%) and considered not high enough to effectively suppress the pest. However, the overall impact of A. bifasciatus on the mortality of H. halys eggs was likely underestimated. If pre-imaginal parasitoid mortality (3.3%) and host feeding (6%) are added to the observed parasitism (6%), the actual induced mortality of H. halys eggs may reach more than 15%. Parasitism of lepidopteran non-target species reached an average of 8% and thus, some degree of non-target parasitism after mass releases may be expected. To quantify the impact of the parasitoids in the orchards more precisely, naturally laid egg masses should be used in future trials to include host-finding cues of the host and host plants, and larger scale releases with potentially higher densities of parasitoids should be considered.

2019 - Surveying native egg parasitoids and predators of the invasive Halyomorpha halys in Northern Italy [Articolo su rivista]
Costi, Elena; Haye, Tim; Maistrello, Lara
abstract

The invasive Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) is a key pest of fruits in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. For the development of a sustainable management programme, knowledge of its native natural enemy community and its efficacy is essential. A three-year field survey was conducted exposing H. halys egg masses in different types of habitats to investigate the efficacy of native natural enemies in reducing the H. halys populations in the Emilia-Romagna region, where the stinkbug was first detected in 2012. Over the first year of the study, sentinel eggs from laboratory cultures were stapled to the underside of leaves in various host trees, whereas in following years H. halys adults were directly caged on branches in sleeve cages to allow natural oviposition. Over the examined years, low rates of parasitism (1%–3%) and predation (2%–5%) were observed. Parasitism was caused exclusively by the generalist parasitoid Anastatus bifasciatus.

2018 - Cimice Asiatica: fitofago chiave in Pianura Padana [Articolo su rivista]
Maistrello, L.; Costi, E.; Bortolini, S.; Macavei, L.; Foca, G.; Ulrici, A.; Vaccari, G.; Caruso, S.; Bortolotti, P. P.; Nannini, R.; Fornaciari, M.; Casoli, L.; Mazzoli, G. L.; Dioli, P.
abstract

Halyomorpha halys a soli due anni dalla sua scoperta ufficiale in Italia nel 2012 era già la specie predominante tra gli eterotteri, oggi è l’insetto chiave dei frutteti. I bordi dei frutteti e le siepi sono i luoghi dove si è registrata la maggiore presenza. Lo studio della sua biologia permetterà di elaborare opportune strategie di difesa integrata, comprendente anche la gestione delle fasce perimetrali

2018 - L’invasiva Halyomorpha halys è fitofago chiave dei frutteti: risultati del monitoraggio triennale in Emilia. [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Maistrello, L.; Vaccari, G.; Caruso, S.; Costi, E.; Bortolini, S.; Macavei, LAURA IOANA; Foca, G.; Ulrici, A.; Bortolotti, P. P.; Nannini, R.; Casoli, L.; Fornaciari, M.; Mazzoli, G. L.; Dioli, P.
abstract

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys was detected for the first time in Italy in 2012 in the province of Modena. Between 2014 and 2016, a specific monitoring program was carried out in some farms in the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia, focusing on pear orchards and the adjacent uncultivated areas (hedges and herbaceous areas) using active techniques to assess the abundance, seasonality and impact of H. halys and other phytophagous Heteroptera. The results showed that just a few years after the first detection, this invasive species largely outperforms all other Heteroptera, and is a seasonal-long pest that caused considerable damage in several farms, with over 50% deformed fruits. The mirids are found mainly in herbaceous areas and crops, while the other phytophagous Heteroptera, only occasionally found in the orchard, are mainly found on the hedges and in other crops. The present survey demonstrates for the first time the great damaging potential of H. halys as a new key pest for fruit orchards in southern Europe.

2018 - Varying levels of acceptance and egg abortion of the invasive Halyomorpha halys by different strains of native parasitoids. [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Costi, E.; Abram, P.; Haye, T.; Maistrello, L.
abstract

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an invasive pest of global concern affecting many agricultural crops. In the invaded areas (North America, Europe), the impact of native biological control agents is generally low and mostly attributable to generalist species. Native egg parasitoids, for example, often attack H. halys eggs but their offspring are unable to develop. The lack of co-evolved relationships between H. halys and native egg parasitoids could be reduced over time if native egg parasitoids adapt to the new host, either by avoiding them (reducing behavioural acceptance) or by gaining the capacity to successfully exploit them (increasing developmental success). The likelihood of adaptation and consequences for biological control is expected to depend on the amount of within-and among population and species variation in acceptance, host killing ability (egg abortion), and developmental success. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of acceptance, abortion rate and development success of five strains of each of the native North American egg parasitoids Trissolcus euschisti and Telenomus podisi. One-week old mated parasitoid females were exposed to an H. halys eggs clutch at 25 °C. Oviposition behaviour was recorded for 5 hours for each female. Parasitoid emergence was recorded and after the emergence of the nymphs, the unhatched eggs were dissected and classified as aborted, empty, containing nymphs or parasitoids. As expected, all parasitoid strains showed a high (but varying) level of acceptance of H. halys eggs, but offspring development was extremely rare. Varying rates of H. halys egg abortion due to unsuccessful parasitism were also observed, with more abortion in the egg masses exposed to T. podisi compared to those exposed to T. euschisti. This study will be useful to understand at which level the genetic variance may influence the different adaptation level of egg parasitoids to the new host allowing the development and implementation of further efficacy biocontrol strategies.

2017 - Biological parameters of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, in southern Europe [Articolo su rivista]
Costi, Elena; Haye, T.; Maistrello, Lara
abstract

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive pest species, first detected in Italy in 2012. Only 2 years after this first detection, increasing damage was reported in fruit orchards in the Emilia Romagna region, the first invaded area, which is one of the most important regions for the Italian and European fruit production. In the present study, life table parameters of H. halys populations were investigated in Italy under typical temperate/Mediterranean climate conditions representative of southern Europe. Our findings indicate that in Italy H. halys has two generations/year and very high reproductive rates for both generations (R0 = 24.04 and 5.44 for the overwintering and summer generation, respectively). The huge growth rates explain why in 2015 a massive outbreak of H. halys was observed in Italy, and these rates confirm that the pest is a threat for agricultural production in southern Europe. The parameters obtained in this study are essential for the development and optimization of sustainable management strategies.

2017 - Indigenous arthropod natural enemies of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug in North America and Europe [Articolo su rivista]
Abram, Paul K; Hoelmer, Kim A.; Acebes Doria, Angelita; Andrews, Heather; Beers, Elizabeth H.; Bergh, J. C.; Bessin, Ric; Biddinger, David; Botch, Paul; Buffington, Matthew L.; Cornelius, Mary L.; Costi, Elena; Delfosse, Ernest S.; Dieckhoff, Christine; Dobson, Rachelyn; Donais, Zachary; Grieshop, Matthew; Hamilton, George; Haye, Tim; Hedstrom, Christopher; Herlihy, Megan V.; Hoddle, Mark S.; Hooks, Cerruti R. R.; Jentsch, Peter; Joshi, Neelendra K.; Kuhar, Thomas P.; Lara, Jesus; Lee, Jana C.; Legrand, Ana; Leskey, Tracy C.; Lowenstein, David; Maistrello, Lara; Mathews, Clarissa R.; Milnes, Joshua M.; Morrison, William R.; Nielsen, Anne L.; Ogburn, Emily C.; Pickett, Charles H.; Poley, Kristin; Pote, John; Radl, James; Shrewsbury, Paula M.; Talamas, Elijah; Tavella, Luciana; Walgenbach, James F.; Waterworth, Rebeccah; Weber, Donald C.; Welty, Celeste; Wiman, Nik G.
abstract

Since the establishment of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in North America and Europe, there has been a large, multi-group effort to characterize the composition and impact of the indigenous community of arthropod natural enemies attacking this invasive pest. In this review, we combine 98 indigenous natural enemy datasets spanning a variety of sampling methods, habitats, and geographic areas. To date, the vast majority of H. halys biological control research has focused on the egg stage, using sentinel egg masses to characterize indigenous parasitoid and predator communities and their contribution to H. halys egg mortality. Although egg parasitism and predation levels by indigenous natural enemies are low (typically <10% each) in most surveys, total egg mortality attributable to natural enemies can be higher (typically between 5 and 25%; up to 83%)—even though these values were likely underestimated in most cases because some mortality due to biological control was not recognized. In North America, where the most data are available, it appears that the relative prevalence of different indigenous parasitoid species varies among habitat types, particularly between crop and non-crop habitats. Predator species responsible for egg mortality are much less commonly identified, but appear to include a wide variety of generalist chewing and sucking predators. To date, studies of natural enemies attacking H. halys nymphs and adults are relatively rare. Based on our review, we identify a number of key research gaps and suggest several directions for future research.

2017 - Monitoring of the invasive Halyomorpha halys, a new key pest of fruit orchards in northern Italy [Articolo su rivista]
Maistrello, Lara; Vaccari, Giacomo; Caruso, Stefano; Costi, Elena; Bortolini, Sara; Macavei, LAURA IOANA; Foca, Giorgia; Ulrici, Alessandro; Bortolotti, Pier Paolo; Nannini, Roberta; Casoli, Luca; Fornaciari, Massimo; Mazzoli, Gian Lorenzo; Dioli, Paride
abstract

Halyomorpha halys is an invasive polyphagous pest with a high negative impact on fruit orchards and other agricultural crops in the USA. In Italy, it was first detected in 2012 in Emilia Romagna, a northern region that is among the major European tree fruit production areas. A specific monitoring programme using active techniques was carried out in pear orchards and adjacent uncultivated areas between 2014 and 2016 to assess the abundance, seasonality and impact of H. halys and other phytophagous Heteroptera in the field. It emerged that just a few years after first discovery, this invasive species already largely outnumbers all the other Heteroptera and that it is a season-long pest for pear crops. Severe yield losses are reported in different farms, especially on the orchard borders, with more than 50% deformed fruits. Mirids are mostly found in the grassy areas and crops, and the other phytophagous Heteroptera, only occasionally detected in the orchard trees, occur mainly on hedges and other crops. Our survey demonstrates for the first time the great damaging potential of H. halys as a new key pest of orchards in southern Europe. The study also identified the patterns of seasonal abundance of adults and nymphs in the orchards and their uncultivated surroundings, providing baseline data for the development of specific strategies for sustainable management.

2016 - A survey of native parasitoids ofHalyomorpha halysin Northern Italy and Switzerland [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Costi, Elena; Maistrello, Lara; Pansa, M. G; Haye, Tim; Tavella, Luciana
abstract

Introduction: The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys,is an Asian polyphagous species that has become an invasive crop pest in North America and Europe. After its first detection in Switzerland in 2004, it was subsequently found in other European countries such as Italy, where, since 2012, it has rapidly spread in the northern regions, becoming a threat to many crops, especially in pear and peach orchards. Results/Conclusion: Overall, most egg parasitism was due to the generalist parasitoid Anastatus sp. (Eupelmidae) and, at a lower level, to various Scelionidae species (e.g. Trissolcus cultratus). In northern Italy, the amount of parasitized eggs ranged from 3.1% in 2014 to 0.9% in 2015 in Emilia Romagna, and from 0.3% on exposed egg-masses to 21.4% on egg-masses collected in a natural habitat in 2015 in Piedmont. Overall parasitism in Switzerland was 4.4% in 2013.

2016 - An overview on the invasive pest Halyomorpha halys in Northern Italy: biology, field monitoring and IPM approaches [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Maistrello, Lara; Caruso, S.; Costi, Elena; Vaccari, G.; Bortolini, Sara; Guidetti, Roberto; Bortolotti, P.; Nannini, R.; Casoli, L.; Vergnani, S.; Montermini, A.
abstract

A few years after the first appearance in Italy in 2012, the Asian Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae) became a serious pest of fruit crops in Northern regions, causing up to 80% damage in some areas of Emilia Romagna pear orchards in 2015. In this Region the network between the University and the Plant Protection Services of Modena and Reggio Emilia allowed to act sinergically in carrying out a multidisciplinary applied research project on this invasive pest. A citizen science survey allowed to obtain the updated BMSB spread map and the DNA analysis of collected samples showed that Italy has the highest haplotype diversity beyond native Asian population, indicating multiple invasion pathways. A detailed life table study showed that BMSB performs two generations/year with overlapping adult and juvenile stages during summer, and has a remarkable invasive potential due to its high rate of increase and specific behavioural features. A three years monitoring program in orchards and adjacent uncultivated areas assessed various aspects of the insect biology and the applicability of active and passive monitoring techniques to estimate the presence, abundance, and seasonality of BMSB populations in the field. Presently, crop management relies on insecticides, however different IPM approaches are being evaluated, that include a survey on native natural antagonists potential, a behavior-based management of orchards boards and hedges and the use of exclusion netting.

2016 - Halyomorpha halys in Italy: first results of field monitoring in fruit orchards [Articolo su rivista]
Maistrello, Lara; Costi, Elena; Caruso, S.; Vaccari, G.; Bortolotti, P.; Nannini, R.; Casoli, L.; Montermini, A.; Bariselli, M.; Guidetti, Roberto
abstract

The invasive pest Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae) was detected for the first time in Italy in September 2012 in Modena province (Northern Italy) during an insect collection for educational purposes. A survey performed in 2013 allowed to detect its presence in Emilia Romagna, Lombardy and Piedmont regions. In 2014, in the provinces of Modena, Reggio Emilia and Bologna a periodical active field monitoring was performed using tree beating, sweep-net and visual observations in selected orchards and vineyards, recording numbers of BMSB adults and nymphs, and of other Heteroptera. Besides, fruit injury and crop loss were recorded at harvest. Partial results from field data obtained between April and July 2014 are presented, indicating that BMSB is already becoming an important pest of fruit orchards and that special attention should be deserved to monitor its spread all over the region and the whole Italian country.

2016 - La cimice “diabolica”, minaccia per l’agricoltura. [Articolo su rivista]
Maistrello, Lara; Costi, Elena
abstract

The Asian brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is extremely invasive and in 2015 began to cause significant damage to crops in Emilia-Romagna. The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is searching sustainable strategies for the management in the field.

2016 - Monitoraggio in campo e danni della cimice aliena Halyomorpha halys in Emilia Romagna: da minaccia a problema concreto. [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Maistrello, Lara; Vaccari, Giacomo; Bortolini, Sara; Costi, Elena; Guidetti, Roberto; Bortolotti, Paolo; Caruso, Stefano; Nannini, Roberta; Montermini, Anselmo; Casoli, Luca
abstract

A few years after the first appearance in Italy of the Asian brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae), established in 2012, a monitoring program was performed in the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia in order to assess various aspects of the insect biology and the applicability of active and passive monitoring techniques to estimate the presence, abundance, and seasonality of H. halys populations in the field. In 2015, a study was carried out to compare the different monitoring techniques, which included visual survey, tree beating, sweep-netting, and the use of traps baited with aggregation pheromone. The survey was performed both in orchards and in the adjacent uncultivated areas. Our observations indicate that the pest has two generations with overlapping of different developmental stages between May and September. The preliminary elaborations show that in surveyed areas the populations are progressively increasing and cause significant yield loss, especially in the border rows of the fields. These results are useful in the view to organize more targeted monitoring activities and provide constructive suggestions for management strategies.

2016 - Phenology and life table parameters of the brown marmorated stink bug in Northern Italy [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Costi, Elena; Tim, Haye; Maistrello, Lara
abstract

The Asian brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae) is an highly invasive species with a broad host range, including fruit trees, vegetables, ornamental and wild species. In the United States, where it has been accidentally introduced nearly two decades ago, it has 1-2 generations per year and is considered as one of the major agricultural pests, causing several million dollars losses, especially in orchards. In Switzerland, where it has been present since 2004, it has only one generation and is mainly a dwelling nuisance. In 2012, BMSB was first detected in Emilia Romagna (Italy), one of the most important fruit producing regions in Europe. It is currently spreading all over Northern Italy and rapidly dispersing throughout the rest of the country. In 2015, high BMSB populations were reported in pear orchards, causing severe damage of sometimes 80-100% deformed fruits in the orchard borders. To investigate the phenology of BMSB under outdoor conditions in Northern Italy, field collected adults were overwintered outside in boxes sheltered from precipitation. In spring overwintering mortality and the emergence of adults from their overwintering sites were assessed. Survived adults were then paired and fecundity and development time of eggs and nymphs were recorded throughout the season. BMSB overwintering survival was over 20%, with adults exiting their overwintering sites from March to May. In northern Italy, BMSB has two overlapping generations per year, with important differences in longevity and fecundity. The obtained parameters show the high invasive potential of BMSB, eliciting serious concern for many Italian crop productions. These data are indispensable for the development of models to forecast pest outbreaks in the future.

2016 - Searching for native egg-parasitoids of the invasive alien species Halyomorpha halys Stål (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae) in southern Europe [Articolo su rivista]
Roversi, Pio Federico; Binazzi, Francesco; Marianelli, Leonardo; Costi, Elena; Maistrello, Lara; Sabbatini Peverieri, Giuseppino
abstract

Halyomorpha halys is an invasive species, originating from East Asia, which was accidentally introduced in some areas of North America and Europe, where severe damages to different vegetable crops and fruit plants were recorded. Several studies in different countries focused on the possibility to apply biological control by means of egg-parasitoids. The main egg-parasitoids in the original area are unfortunately non-specific and thus the application of classical biological control is questionable. On the other hand, the possibility of using augmentative biological control by native egg-parasitoids able to exploit the new host is an interesting possibility in both Europe and the USA. In a preliminary assay, frozen egg masses of H. halys were exposed in the field in central Italy. Results showed that some eggs were exploited by parasitoids belonging to the species Anastatus bifasciatus and Ooencyrtus telenomicida. Therefore, different native egg-parasitoids species widespread in Europe were tested in the laboratory in order to explore their ability to parasitize H. halys eggs. To this end, no-choice tests were carried out in climatic chambers (26°C, 70%RH, 16:8 L:D) in order to evaluate the parasitization potential of females collected in the wild. Conducted tests pointed out that A. bifasciatus and especially O. telenomicida may be potential candidates for the biological control of H. halys. In particular, O. telenomicida was able to parasitize the 35.56% of the exposed host eggs in the lab tests. New adults successfully emerged from the 22.92% of the eggs, and overall, this egg-parasitoid caused a significant hatching reduction of the H. halys eggs (more than 70%). Conversely, Telenomus chloropus and Ooencyrtus pityocampae were less promising species as biocontrol agents of this agricultural pest. Preliminary trials in pear orchards consisting of field releases of laboratory-reared specimens of O. telenomicida, one of the potential candidates for biological control, showed that this parasitoid is actually able to discover egg masses of H. halys (sentinel frozen egg masses) and to successfully parasitize them.

2016 - Studio del ciclo biologico di Halyomorpha halys alle condizioni ambientali dell’Emilia Romagna (Italia) [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Costi, Elena; Haye, T.; Maistrello, Lara
abstract

Halyomorpha halys, Heteroptera pentatomidae di origine asiatica, è un insetto polifago con più di 300 piante ospiti segnalate, tra cui piante da frutto, orticole, ornamentali e spontanee e il cui ciclo biologico a seconda delle condizioni climatiche, può presentare fino a due generazioni per anno. Le punture di suzione attraverso cui adulti e ninfe si nutrono sono causa di deformazioni e suberificazioni nei frutti colpiti e di conseguenti perdite economiche dovute alla loro incommerciabilità. Negli Stati Uniti, dove è presente da circa vent’anni H. halys rappresenta uno dei più importanti problemi fitosanitari per i frutteti e la causa di perdite economiche per diversi milioni di dollari. In Italia è stata identificata per la prima volta nel 2012 in Emilia Romagna in provincia di Modena; a tre anni dall’identificazione si è assistito a un’estensione della distribuzione di H. halys dalle zone focolaio verso la Romagna, numerose regioni del Nord e centro Italia; nelle zone di prima infestazione sono stati segnalati incrementi dei danni su pero con apici del 100% di frutti colpiti in bordura. L’assenza di nemici naturali all’esterno dell’areale di origine, l’elevata polifagia così come il numero di generazioni per anno e la mobilità ne fanno un fitofago di difficile gestione. Questo studio ha lo scopo di indagare la biologia di Halyomorpha halys alle condizioni ambientali di temperatura e fotoperiodo dell’Emilia Romagna; a tale scopo si è effettuato uno studio della mortalità in fase di svernamento e uno studio del ciclo biologico. Cimici svernanti sono state raccolte da diversi siti e poste all’interno di scatole di legno riempite con cartone monitorando l’andamento dell’uscita dallo svernamento e la mortalità a fine svernamento. Alcune delle cimici sopravvissute al precedente studio sono state sessate e accoppiate e ne sono state monitorate giornalmente mortalità, fecondità e tempi di sviluppo per tutte le generazioni. Dallo studio è emerso che il periodo di uscita dallo svernamento si concentra tra fine Marzo e fine Maggio con una mortalità del 76% e che alle condizioni ambientali dell’Emilia Romagna H. halys è in grado di compiere due generazioni con importanti differenze di longevità e fecondità tra le stesse. I risultati ottenuti saranno indispensabili per la realizzazione di modelli previsionali utili nella gestione dell’avversità sul territorio regionale.

2015 - A task force to develop alternative strategies against emerging alien pests: Drosophila suzukii and Halyomorpha halys in Northern Italy. [Poster]
Caruso, Stefano; Vaccari, Giacomo; Guidetti, Roberto; Costi, Elena; Maistrello, Lara
abstract

The Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, and the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, are two polyphagous invasive pests native to east Asia, recently introduced in Northern Italy. SWD is a pest of soft-skinned fruits such as cherries and berries, whereas BMSB can attack many fruits, and horticultural and ornamentals crops. After their introduction, specific field monitoring campaigns were conducted and allowed to recognize that both pests have increasingly expanding distribution ranges and are seriously threatening cherry and other fruit orchards. Studies are being performed on the biology and potential for biological control by autochtonous antagonists in the newly invaded areas. For both targets, applied research projects are being performed, aimed at: a) the implementation of monitoring methods to improve capture efficiency and selectivity, together with damage identification and evaluation, and b) the development of sustainable management strategies based on behaviour manipulation, such as mass trapping, attract-and-kill, push-pull, pest exclusion (anti-insect nets) and verify the potential of autochtonous antagonists.

2015 - First detection of Halyomorpha halys Stål, a new invasive species with a high potential of damage on agricultural crops in Romania [Articolo su rivista]
Macavei, Laura Ioana; Bǎețan, Raul; Oltean, Ion; Florian, Teodora; Varga, Mircea; Costi, Elena; Maistrello, Lara
abstract

The presence of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Halyomorpha halys Stål (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae) is signaled for the first time in Romania, in the Botanical Garden of Bucarest. This polyphagous bug, native to Asia, is recorded as an extremely invasive pest of many agricultural crops in the countries where it has been introduced (USA, Italy). The current distribution and pest status, morphology and biology are described. Although the majority of individuals were collected from the Botanical Garden, several other H. halys were observed in the urban area, several kilometers away, suggesting that this species is already spread out in the city, and that its presence in Romania could date back to at least 1-2 years ago. Considering the potential serious risk for agriculture in Romania, the necessity to develop a monitoring strategy in field crops for early detection is suggested.

2015 - Halyomorpha halys in Emilia, prime risposte dal monitoraggio [Articolo su rivista]
Bortolotti, Paolo; Caruso, Stefano; Nannini, Roberta; Vaccari, Giacomo; Casoli, Luca; Bariselli, Massimo; Costi, Elena; Guidetti, Roberto; Maistrello, Lara
abstract

OSSERVAZIONI IN CAMPO CONDOTTE NEL 2013-2014. Dopo la sua comparsa in Italia, accertata nel 2012, è stato attivato nella zona di ritrovamento un programma di monitoraggio teso a studiare l’insetto e il suo comportamento nell’ambiente. La specie desta maggiori preoccupazioni nel settore frutticolo, dove il danno rappresentato dalle tipiche deformazioni può giungere al 100%

2015 - Preoccupano le infestazioni della cimice asiatica [Articolo su rivista]
Bortolotti, Paolo; Caruso, Stefano; Nannini, Roberta; Vaccari, Giacomo; Casoli, Luca; Bariselli, Massimo; Bortolini, Sara; Costi, Elena; Guidetti, Roberto; Maistrello, Lara
abstract

2015-Anno caldo delle cimici. Nel corso dell’estate le infestazioni di Halyomorpha halys hanno investito un territorio sempre più ampio, con gravi percentuali di danno su numerose colture. A esse si sono sovrapposti gli attacchi di altri pentatomidi, accomunati anch’essi dalla caratteristica di pungere e deprezzare i frutti. Il malessere degli agricoltori è crescente e la situazione in alcuni contesti ha assunto le dimensioni di un’autentica emergenza.

2014 - Halyomorpha halys in Italy: first results of field monitoring in fruit orchards [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Maistrello, Lara; Costi, Elena; Caruso, S.; Vaccari, Giacomo; Bortolotti, P.; Nannini, R.; Casoli, L.; Montermini, A.; Guidetti, Roberto
abstract

The invasive pest Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae) was detected for the first time in Italy in September 2012 in Modena province (Northern Italy) during an insect collection for educational purposes. A survey performed in 2013 allowed to detect its presence in Emilia Romagna, Lombardy and Piedmont regions. In 2014, in the provinces of Modena, Reggio Emilia and Bologna a periodical active field monitoring was performed using tree beating, sweep-net and visual observations in selected orchards and vineyards, recording numbers of BMSB adults and nymphs, and of other Heteroptera. Besides, fruit injury and crop loss were recorded at harvest. Partial results from field data obtained between April and July 2014 are presented, indicating that BMSB is already becoming an important pest of fruit orchards and that special attention should be deserved to monitor its spread all over the region and the whole Italian country.

2014 - Lotta biologica al cinipide del castagno in Emilia Romagna: ottimizzazione della gestione di Torymus sinensis in funzione dei siti di rilascio [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Maistrello, Lara; Costi, Elena; Ferrari, R.; Pozzati, M.; Vai, N.
abstract

Il cinipide del Castagno Dyocosmus kuriphilus è una piccola vespa fitoparassita di origine cinese che, inducendo la formazione di galle sulle gemme può compromettere la capacità vegetativa e produttiva del castagno. Introdotto nel 2002, si è rapidamente diffuso in tutti i castagneti del territorio nazionale. Il ciclo e la biologia di D. kuriphilus e la distribuzione territoriale di Castanea spp. rendono difficili ed inopportuni i trattamenti chimici. La lotta biologica con l’antagonista naturale della vespa cinese, il parassitoide specifico Torymus sinensis (Hymenoptera, Torymidae) importato in Italia dal DISAFA (TO), si è attuata in Emilia Romagna anche grazie alla produzione autonoma dei parassitoidi in regione. Per ottenere numeri consistenti di T. sinensis, è necessario disporre di “aree di moltiplicazione”, castagneti idonei in cui il parassitoide è insediato e da cui in inverno vengono raccolte le galle potenzialmente parassitizzate, e di laboratori attrezzati in cui opera personale qualificato, seguendo il protocollo di moltiplicazione dei parassitoidi originariamente elaborato presso il DISAFA (TO). Gli esemplari di T. sinensis ottenuti vengono quindi prelevati dai laboratori per essere rilasciati in campo presso le diverse aree castanicole individuate dai responsabili del Servizio Fitosanitario Regionale e dei Consorzi Fitosanitari Provinciali. Per garantire i rilasci di T. sinensis presso castagneti dislocati sull’intero territorio regionale, caratterizzati da un’estrema eterogeneità in termini di altitudine e microclima, è necessario “pianificare” gli sfarfallamenti di parassitoidi per ottenere, al momento giusto, le unità da rilasciare nelle diverse destinazioni in corrispondenza della opportuna fase fenologica del castagno. Nel 2012 i parassitoidi vennero ottenuti senza programmazione degli sfarfallamenti e l’andamento climatico presso i siti di rilascio costrinse a prolungarne la permanenza in laboratorio con conseguenze negative sulla sopravvivenza. A partire dal 2013, una piccola frazione delle galle raccolte viene mantenuta presso una delle aree di moltiplicazione per avere indicazioni sull’inizio degli sfarfallamenti in condizioni naturali, mentre tutte le altre galle vengono gestite tramite una metodica opportunamente elaborata, tale da sincronizzare l’ottenimento dei parassitoidi con le fasi fenologiche dei castagneti nei siti di rilascio, consentendo di ottenere una sensibile riduzione della mortalità pre-rilascio dei parassitoidi ed una ottimizzazione delle tempistiche di lavoro.

2014 - Primi rinvenimenti in Italia della cimice esotica Halyomorpha halys, una nuova minaccia per la frutticoltura [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Maistrello, Lara; Costi, Elena; Vaccari, Giacomo
abstract

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae) was detected for the first time in Italy in September 2012 in the province of Modena (Northern Italy) during an insect collection for educational purposes. Native to east Asia, H. halys is listed in the EPPO Alert list given its wide host range and extremely high potential as an invasive pest of many fruit, horticultural and ornamentals crops. Besides, it is also a nuisance pest for its tendency to mass-aggregate inside houses to overwinter. To verify the real presence of this bug in Italy, a “citizen-science” type of survey has been activated since May 2013, involving University students, entomology/nature amateurs and common citizens. Besides, in the province of Modena, the field monitoring that was already active to detect the presence of other bugs (Miridae) considered agents of pear deformity, was also used. From the survey it emerged that H. halys is quite evenly distributed in the territory of Emilia Romagna and other focuses were recorded in Lombardia and Piemont regions. H halys was not detected with sweep-net monitoring in the field.

2013 - Alieni in Emilia Romagna: gestione e prospettive. [Abstract in Rivista]
Maistrello, Lara; Nicoletta, Vai; Bariselli, Maissimo; Rocchina, Tiso; Boselli, Mauro; Montermini, Anselmo; Catellani, Andrea; Caruso, Stefano; Montepaone, Giovanna; Vaccari, Giacomo; Dradi, Davide; Ferrari, Roberto; Costi, Elena
abstract

Il crescente traffico internazionale di merci e persone favorisce l'introduzione di numerose specie di insetti in paesi diversi dai luoghi di origine, causando impatti ambientali negativi e gravi perdite economiche in tutto il mondo. Questo lavoro rappresenta la sinergia tra UNIMORE e gli enti preposti alla gestione delle avversità fitosanitarie in Emilia-Romagna (ER) nel fronteggiare il recente ingresso di 3 insetti "alieni", originari dell'Asia, potenzialmente molto dannosi all'economia regionale e nazionale: la Vespa Cinese del Castagno Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera, Cinipidae), il moscerino Drosophila suzukii (Diptera, Drosophilidae) e la cimice Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae).

2013 - La gestione biologica del castagno da frutto. I centri di moltiplicazione di Torymus sinensis. In: I supplementi di Agricoltura N. 54 [Articolo su rivista]
Maistrello, Lara; Costi, Elena; Pozzati, Marco; Ferrari, Roberto
abstract

In Emilia Romagna la lotta biologica al Cinipide del Castagno D. kuriphilus tramite l’antagonista naturale, il parassitoide specifico Torymus sinensis si è attuata anche grazie alla produzione autonoma dei parassitoidi in regione. Per ottenere numeri consistenti di T. sinensis, è necessario disporre di “aree di moltiplicazione”, castagneti idonei in cui il parassitoide è insediato e da cui vengono prelevate le galle potenzialmente parassitizzate, e di laboratori attrezzati in cui opera personale qualificato seguendo il protocollo di moltiplicazione dei parassitoidi (DISAFA, TO). Le provette con i parassitoidi vengono infine prelevate per essere rilasciate in campo presso le diverse aree castanicole individuate nel territorio regionale dai responsabili del Servizio Fitosanitario Regionale e dei Consorzi Fitosanitari Provinciali. Nel 2012 i parassitoidi vennero ottenuti senza programmazione degli sfarfallamenti e l’andamento climatico presso i siti di rilascio costrinse a prolungarne la permanenza in laboratorio con conseguenze negative sulla sopravvivenza. Nel 2013, una piccola frazione delle galle raccolte è stata mantenuta presso una delle aree di moltiplicazione per avere indicazioni sugli sfarfallamenti in condizioni naturali, mentre tutte le altre galle sono state opportunamente gestite sincronizzando l’ottenimento dei parassitoidi con le fasi fenologiche dei castagneti nei siti di rilascio, ottenendo una sensibile riduzione della mortalità pre-rilascio dei parassitoidi ed una ottimizzazione delle tempistiche di lavoro. In totale in Emilia-Romagna si è assistito ad una progressione da 12 lanci di T. sinensis (2011), a 62 (2012) a 155 (2013) ed il contributo dei due centri regionali di moltiplicazione è stato di fondamentale importanza, avendo garantito nel 2012 e nel 2013 rispettivamente il 63 % ed il 43 % del totale dei lanci effettuati.