The UK Plant Health Service (DEFRA) has found adult individuals, juvenile forms, and eggs of Pochazia shantungensis, a Korean insect that is rapidly spreading in Europe, on ornamental plants for planting imported from nurseries in the Pistoia district, during checks at entry points or destination control sites. Pochazia is not considered a quarantine pest in the European Union, but it is listed as a potentially quarantine pest for the United Kingdom. The presence of this harmful organism on the plants led to the destruction of the infested batches and, in some cases, the entire shipment, causing significant damage to the operators involved.

During the phytosanitary inspections carried out by the Phytosanitary Service at cultivation sites and loading areas, the presence of Pochazia was detected on nursery plants as well as on spontaneous shrub vegetation.

To ensure compliance with the phytosanitary requirements set by DEFRA for ornamental plants entering Great Britain, an operational protocol is proposed. This protocol will be followed by the Phytosanitary Service of the Tuscany Region and professional operators for the preparation and shipment of ornamental plants to Great Britain. The guidelines outlined in the protocol are recommended for both operators carrying out exports and those providing the plants ready for export. The protocol can be downloaded at the following link here