Latina county and Sogin, 10,000 ladybugs to keep the city green and free from parasites
05 June 2013
This morning 10,000 ladybugs were released in Latina public parks and
gardens as part of an experimental project for an “organic” battle
against parasites and for the protection of the town’s green heritage.
The initiative is being promoted by the municipality and by Sogin, the
state company in charge of the environmental clean-up of Italy’s nuclear
sites, including the Latina ex-power plant. Antonio D’Acunto and
Giovanni Di Giorgi, respectively Latina’s prefect and mayor, attended
the event along with Sogin CEO Giuseppe Nucci.
The project aims to
introduce ladybug colonies, of the species
Adalia bipunctata,
who feed on aphids, which are harmful plant parasites: the ladybugs can
devour up to 100 aphids a day. 130 elementary school students were
involved in the ladybug-release ceremony in the public gardens. At a
later stage, the Latina Municipal Environmental Services will use the
larvae for the organic disinfestation of over 300 linden trees lining
the main city streets.