The case of CastelporzianoA particular case in the metropolitan area of Rome: the pine forest of the Presidential Estate of Castelporziano.
The Presidential Estate of Castelporziano is located on Cristoforo Colombo road axis, which is approximately 25 km from the center of Rome and extends to the outskirts of the city up the Roman coast, over an area of 60 kmq (6039 hectares), including 3.1 km of still uncontaminated beach and also some historic hunting estates, such as Trafusa, Trafusina, Riserve Nuove and Capocotta. The Estate is area protected since 1999 and hosts the summer residence of the President of the Italian Republic.
Most of the typical ecosystems of the Mediterranean area are present in Castelporziano.
They meet, in fact - proceeding from the sea towards the hinterland - a stretch of beach still intact, recent sandy dunes, with the typical pioneer and colonizing plants that carry out an active action of consolidation of the sands, ancient stabilized dunes with large wetlands behind the dunes and areas of low and high scrub with the typical evergreen and aromatic species; the holm oak forest, the stone pine forests, the mixed plain forest (lowland mixed forest) of oaks (typical of the coastal plains), the cork oak forest, pastures for domestic livestock breeding and areas for extensive cereal cultivation.
Most of the extension of the Estate is occupied by the hygrophilous lowland forest (lowland forest linked to humid environments), characterized by the presence of evergreen and deciduous oaks and species more purely hygrophilous, near humid areas. The forest (mixed lowland), among the most ecosystems delicate to protect, extends for approximately 2300 hectares, the low and high Mediterranean scrub environments cover an area of approximately 500 hectares, the holm oak forest occupies an area of 261 hectares, especially in the area behind the dunes, and the cork forest covers an area of approximately 460 hectares. The woods alternate with clearings and natural prairies, constituting plant associations of great environmental variety. In environments not so accessible, the forest is full of ancient specimens and monumental trees. A recent census has identified 29 monumental trees among the most significant in terms of size and shape, belonging to 7 different species.
The stone pine forests of the Castelporziano Estate, created with artificial reforestation, until a few years ago used to extend for approximately 750 hectares, with the aim of consolidating the sand dunes and to protect from sea winds in the area behind the dunes, with productive characteristics for the collection of pine nuts, with naturalistic value associated with the holm oak and the Mediterranean scrub and with a monumental appearance, especially for the centuries-old pine forests. Now this extension has been seriously compromised by the attack combined of different parasites; and among these there is also Toumeyella parvicornis.
The case of Castelporziano
Spread of Toumeyella parvicornisThe presence of Toumeyella parvicornis in the Presidential Estate of Castelporziano was ascertained by the Management of the Estate at the end of 2019.
It is not possible to reconstruct the route and the cause of arrival of the parasite on the Estate, but it has been ascertained that the presence of an extensive pine forest and the climatic conditions favorable both to the increase in generations per year and to the weakening of the plants, favored proliferation, spread and extent of damage caused by the infestation. In particular, it has been seen that favorable climatic conditions have increased the number of generations of Toumeyella parvicornis in a year from three to five.
As regards the spread of the parasite, it can be said that the cause is to be found in anthropic action rather than in wind action. It is true that in the coastal areas the wind is strong and frequent, just as in the coastal areas of Lazio and Campania there is continuity in the spread of pine forests, but it is the man, with his economic activities and his movements, to be the main vector of the parasite; much more than the wind, because the adult parasite is anchored to the branches and only the larvae can move due to the action of the wind. But only over short distances and possibly where there is branch-branch contact. This is why pine forests are, among other things, easily attackable, if we consider the proximity of the trees to each other.
The case of Castelporziano
Data related to the climate evolution in RomeFrom 2000 to today, temperatures in Europe have increased more than double the global average all continents of the planet, reaching an average of +0.5° warming per decade.
In the city of Rome, where the climate is generally mild and Mediterranean-type, temperatures increase is more evident than in the other regional capitals of the Italian peninsula: the average temperature of period 2013-2023 marks the highest values over Rome (17.7°), with an average of +1.7° compared to the period 1981- 2011. Furthermore, very high humidity rates are recorded in Rome due to the weak anticyclonic circulation, due to which the air stagnates in the lower layers and is enriched with vapour watery and overheats more and more.
Climate change affects both the number of annual generations of Toumeyella parvicornis, creating ideal conditions for the life of the parasite of Caribbean origin, which on the stress condition of Pinus pinea L., which is strongly affected by the lack of water.
The case of Castelporziano
Containment and abatement interventionsOnce the presence of Toumeyella parvicornis was confirmed in 2019, an infestation monitoring program was activated, through field and remote data - with satellite images - in agreement with the relevant phytotherapeutic bodies, both at a national and regional level. In a first phase, as was also specified in 2000 by the National Health Committee (CFN) in the Guidelines for the management of phytomythium, good silvicultural practices and the thinning of pine forests represented the only weapon for containing the infestation.
In 2021, the Ministry of Health authorized the use of an abamectin-based product as an exception, but not on large pine forests. An experimentation, also methodological, was therefore started on a part of the trees involved, the results of which were published in the article Toumeyella parvicornis versus endotherapic abamectin: three techniques, 1 year after (Nicolò di Sora, Luca Rossini, Mario Contarini, Giovanni Mastrandea and Stefano Speranza, Pest Management Science, 2023). At the end of the experimental phase, the endotherapy administration method which had recorded the best relationship between effectiveness and technical and economic sustainability was adopted on a large scale. The treatment is not conclusive but it’s essential in the epidemiological peak phase, to counteract the action of Toumeyella parvicornis.In 2022 the endotherapy intervention was repeated, on the same 1300 plants, to which another 300 were added.
In 2023, a total of 1950 treatments were performed. The felled plants, in compliance with the law, are reduced to wood chips, destined for combustion and thermoconversion in specifically indicated areas and not in situ. In order to avoid the accidental spread of the parasite outside the infested area, great care must be taken during the transport phase; and, in particular, workers must ensure that they do not have insects on their clothes or shoes before getting back into vehicles (the use of disposable overalls is recommended); parking of vehicles in infested areas must be avoided; It’s important the covering/closing with tarpaulins of vehicles used for transporting the material.
Shredded wood and chips of Pinus pinea L. in Castelporziano
The case of Castelporziano
Landscape restorationFor the future, planning for forest restoration is already underway: the intent is to replace the portions of felled pine forest with an extension of mixed forest, composed of species typical of the Mediterranean coastal area, which is more resistant to further global infestations, thanks to a high level of biodiversity and valid adaptation to new local weather and climate conditions.
How does climate change impact the spreading of Toumeyella parvicornis on Pinus pinea L., 1753? The case of Tenuta di Castelporziano (Rome).Autumn 2014, Neaples: First report of the presence of Toumeyella parvicornis, a North American native insect that represents a dangerous threat to pines’ survival, particularly to Pinus pinea L.
2018, Rome: Toumeyella parvicornis apparently strikes pines, especially the ones located in the South area of the city.
Which climate conditions ease the spread of the parasite and how do they settle the areas or the number of the infesting generations? The research area of the Roman pinewood of Castelporziano is located inside the Estate of the Italian President of the Republic.
The research carried out and the data processed make it possible to clearly clarify the close connection between climate changes (rise in temperature, drought phenomena, violent rainfall phenomena) and the rapid, destructive spread of Toumeyella parvicornis on the population of Pinus pinea L. in the metropolitan area of Rome and in the Castelporziano Estate in particular.
The rise in temperatures contributes to the well-being of the parasite and, in particular, increases the number of generations in a year, with consequent, unstoppable proliferation of Toumeyella parvicornis which intervenes on the population of Pinus pinea L., favoring the subsequent fungal attack carried by Tomicus destruens, with the characteristic sooty smoke; the combined action of the two parasites is harmful to plant species. Those are already seriously weakened by the scarcity of water and by the progressive lowering of the aquifer, not enriched by rains, which are not very abundant in terms of quantity and too violent in terms of intensity: the short and violent rains in fact are not welcomed by the ground but, due to run-off phenomena, rain water flows away without being absorbed into the deep layers and therefore without enriching the underground aquifer. Furthermore, the excessive urbanization of the areas surrounding the area of the Castelporziano Estate, with strong demand for water both at the time of building construction and in the use of homes, contributes to further lowering the level of the aquifer which is no longer easily reached from the roots of the trees: these therefore end up in a condition of stress and weakness which effectively makes them incapable of defending themselves from pathogen attacks.
Finally it is important to remember the main characteristic of Pinus pinea L., namely the very low degree of genetic variability, so it is not possible to expect diversified responses to the attack of pest agents.
To conclude, we can therefore summarize the diffusion factors of the Toumeyella parvicornis parasite, discovering that they are all connected with entropic activity; Indeed
- The spread of the parasite from the American continent to Europe was certainly favored, if not actually triggered, by trade, increasingly linked to globalization and the dense exchange of goods and the movement of people.
- Even on a small scale, much more than the wind, it is the human factor that favors the spread of the parasite.
- The rise in temperatures favors an increase in the number of generations of the parasite and therefore in the number of parasites. And there is no need for further investigations to be able to affirm that man is mainly responsible for the increase in average temperature. Furthermore, the shift in climatic zones, with increasingly large hot zones, further widens the area favorable to the development and spread of Toumeyella parvicornis.
- In addition to the rise in temperatures, it is the whole phenomenon of climate change - also influenced by anthropic factors - that affects the spread of the parasite: even before the parasite spreads, the pines are already stressed by the heat, by the absence of water, from the action of the wind and from aquifers dried up not only by the absence of regular rainfall but also by the excessive demand for water in the new highly urbanized centers. The satellite images studied give clear evidence of this whole phenomenon. And, on weak plants, the action of Toumeyella parvicornis is devastating.
- Finally, man's choice to create semi-natural habitats, such as pine forests, characterized by poor biodiversity, lowers the probability of resilience to the parasite. For the future, it will therefore be necessary to rethink green spaces, seeing them as reserves of biodiversity, because only biodiversity guarantees the vegetation's successful response to parasite attacks.The Climate detectives of the Coccinigliabusters group therefore offer their reflection to those - young or adult, student or worker, artist or politician... - who wish, like them, to offer, thanks to their commitment and strong awareness, a chance to our Planet which suffers. After much study, now is the time for responsible choices and serene work in favor of the Planet. So that the errors of yesterday's citizens are replaced by the balanced - and no longer postponable - remedies of today's and tomorrow's citizens.
And so we arrive at the end of our little, big adventure. At this point all that's left to say is goodbye. And we may be ready for our leave. But the "Cochinealbusters" have no intention of saying goodbye and leaving. We understood that if man is responsible, man must find solutions. We are too young to be able to intervene in politics and in the management of environmental situations, but we know that there is a lot we can do. And we want to do it: with daily choices, with study, with imagination and enthusiasm typical of young people, we are ready to commit ourselves into helping the survival of our planet. It's true, we are young, but it is equally true that the time of indifference is over for us. The time for our participation has arrived!
We thank the Castelporziano Estate, in the persons of Dr. Giovanni Mastrandrea, Dr. ssa Dora Cimini and the forestry Carabinieri of the Estate, who accompanied us on the visit to the area infested by the parasite and who shared informations, knowledge and civil conscience with us.
We also thank the teachers who helped us: Trapani, Perosino and Orlando.
Finally, we thank ESA and Muse di Trento for the great opportunity they have given us.
And now the "Cochinealbusters" are ready to go again..
Web site:https://apps.sentinel-hub.com/eo-browser/https://www.actaplantarum.org/flora/flora_info.php?id=198http://www.agricoltura.regione.campania.it/difesa/toumeyella.htmlhttps://www.alberiurbani.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Pest-Management-Science-2022-Di-Sora-Endotherapic-treatment-to-control-Toumeyella-parvicornis-Cockerell-infestations.pdfhttps://www.cmcc.it/ithttps://coccinigliadelpino.com/la-cocciniglia-tartaruga-del-pino/
https://dryades.units.it/Romahttps://www.italianostra.org/wp-content/uploads/TOUMEYELLA-RELAZIONE-ROMA-421Mascioli-1.pdfhttps://larivistaculturale.com/2023/06/08/cultura-storia-roma-castel-fusano-chigi/https://www.nationalgeographic.it/roma-non-e-stata-costruita-per-il-clima-di-oggi-siamo-ancora-in-tempo-per-salvarlahttps://palazzo.quirinale.it/residenze/c_porziano.htmlhttps://www.regione.lazio.it/sites/default/files/2023-09/SCHEDA-Toumeyella-parvicornis-aggiornata-08-09-2023.pdfBibliography:Decreto ministeriale 3 giugno 2021 – Misure fitosanitarie di emergenza ai fini del contrasto dell’organismo nocivo Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell) (Cocciniglia tartaruga). Gazzetta Ufficiale n.173 del 21-07-2021;
Garonna A. P., Scarpato S., Vicinanza F., Espinosa B. (2015) First report of Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell) in Europe (Hemiptera: Coccidae). Zootaxa (Print: 1175-326 Online: 1175-5334), Vol 3949, n.1, pag 142–146,
Garonna A. P., Foscari A., Russo E., jesu G., Somma S., Cascone P., Guerrieri E. (2018) The spread of the non-native pine tortoise scale Toumeyella parvicornis (Hemiptera: Coccidae) in Europe: a major threat to Pinus pinea L. in Southern Italy. iForest 11: 628-634.
Pest categorisation of Toumeyella parvicornis; EFSA Panel on Plant Health (PLH). 27.01.2022, on EFSA Journal
Linee guida per la gestione del Fitomizio Toumeyella Parvicornis (Cockerell) 21.09.2020
Linee guida per la gestione del materiale di risulta degli abbattimenti e delle potature di piante infestate da Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell) - Documento 33 del 01.03.2023
Toumeyella parvicorns versus endotherapic abamectin: three techniques, 1 year after, Nicolò di Sora, Luca Rossini, Mario Contarini, Giovanni Mastrandrea, Stefano Speranza, on Pest management Science, SCI 11.05.2023
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ㅤThe photos used for this presentation of the project were taken by the students during the visit to the Estate of Castelporziano, Rome.ㅤ
Website maker: Plema Llyanross Loredana Sanchez
Charts maker: Pisano Raffaele
Logo makers: Crea Isabella, Di Lello Emma
Satellite images makers: Pisano Raffaele, Rollo Diego Mayoro
Site revision: Crea Isabella, Di Lello Emma, Plema Llyanross Loredana Sanchez, Mazzeo Claudia
Texts makers: the entire class
Translations: the entire class, Mazzeo Claudia
Logo explanation
We made the tree on the logo representing our goal, that is to take care of the sick population of Pinus pinea L., showing the way they pulverize becoming sooty mold. Secondly we represented how the Toumeyella parvicornis sticks on the trees and how it sucks the nymph of plants, exaggerating its size.
