The EPIDISARTH project focused mainly on the emerging plant pests Aromia bungii (Faldermann), Popillia japonica (Newman) together with Halyomorpha halys (Stål) and to a much lesser extent on Lycorma delicatula (White). These species originated from Asia and were introduced into the European Union (EU) except for L. delicatula, where they pose a major threat to fruit crops and grapevines. Aromia bungii and P. japonica are listed as priority quarantine pests within the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072(2), Annex II, Part B. Popillia japonica, in particular, is currently a major concern due to its high populations, polyphagy and significant crop damage. Timely detection is crucial to prevent further pest outbreaks, spread and new infestations.

The objectives of this project were to increase the knowledge about these target pest species with regard to occurrence, phenology, identification and control measures.

The project partners elaborated accurate current data on the target pest species for the regions monitored and up-to-date distribution maps. Such information is useful for targeted and effective control. Surveys were conducted in 2021 and 2022 in fruit crops, vineyards and risk sites such as traffic routes or distribution centres. Different methods for the surveillances in the field were used. Experience was gained on the advantages and disadvantages of different trap types and lures. Additionally, awareness for these emerging plant pests was raised by citizen science initiatives and new mobile phone apps were developed to report possible findings. Through citizen science engagement additional records for H. halys were collected and a larger geographical area was covered. Monitoring activities by experts provided better insight into the presence or confirmed absence of the target pest species in the participating partner countries. Information on pest occurrence is important to support the early detection and management of these new plant pests in the European Union.

 A major outcome of the cooperation in this project was the exchange of biological material for the generation of barcoding DNA sequences from A. bungii, P. japonica and L. delicatula for the molecular identification and the preparation of a diagnostic protocol (in cooperation with R. Mouttet, P. Rousse, Anses and J.C. Streito, CBGP-INRAE) for the reliable identification of A. bungii larvae and adults. This diagnostic protocol will be very valuable for plant protection organisations and National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) for diagnosing the pest. Extensive research on behaviour and integrated control options of P. japonica has been conducted by the Plant Protection Service of Lombardy in cooperation with universities of Brescia, Padua, Turin and Verona in the GESPO project (https://sites.google.com/unibs.it/gespo-project-en) and in the PRECONFITOLOMB project, funded by Regione Lombardia.