Chestnut pests in Central Italy.

Abstract

In recent years interest in chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) cultivation has increased in Central Italy. Government Research Departments have been requested to address issues concerning plant health in chestnut orchards. The most pressing problem is linked to the presence of phytophages, which directly affect production. Chestnut quality represents is the most important features of saleable production. The main phytophagi affecting this crop have already been identified by researchers as: Curculio elephas Gyll. (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), Pammene fasciana L., Cydia fagiglandana (Zell.), Cydia splendana L. (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae), among which the Curculionidae are the key pests. In Central Italy there are areas (Vallerano, Viterbo) where C. elephas may attack as much as 90 % of production, compromising the whole yield. The presence of tortrix moths also affects saleable production, but infestation levels are always lower than chestnut weevil levels. Guided and biological control tests are being carried out in order to contain key pest populations