Low environmental impact crop protection strategies

Research activities deal with the study and monitoring of the main diseases and pests  on chestnut, in order to develop low environmental impact strategies of integrated control. The pathological research concerns above all chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica), ink disease (Phytophthora spp.) and nut rot (Gnomoniopsis castaneae). Regarding entomological activities, major pests investigated are cydies (Pammene fasciana, Cydia fagiglandana, C. splendana), chestnut weevil (Curculio elephas), ambrosia beetles (Xylosandrus spp) and indigenous and exotic pests of growing interest.  The Center had a leading role in developing successful strategies against chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus).