Pine Trees Under Siege
Rome’s iconic umbrella pine trees are under siege from a tiny insect known as the pine tortoise scale. Originally from North America, the invasive Toumeyella parvicornis has an oval shell that makes it look like a tortoise. It first appeared in Naples to the south five years ago, ravaging that city’s stone pines.
Agronomists say it can kill trees within just two or three years by operating like a vampire, sucking sap then coating trees with a fungus that blocks photosynthesis. They are looking at natural predators to control the infestation since it is not practical to use pesticides in the bustling Italian capital. “In Europe, our pines have never seen this insect and have no defense mechanism,” said entomologist Antonio Garonna.
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