Episode Details

Japanese beetles, those iridescent invaders from Japan, are wreaking havoc across Italy’s vineyards and orchards, leaving lace-like damage on leaves and threatening harvests. Once a U.S. pest for over a century, this beetle is a new nightmare in Europe, spreading rapidly since its 2014 discovery near Milan. With no natural predators and a hunger for over 300 plant species, it’s now a top EU priority. Farmers face slashed yields as larvae devour roots, while scientists deploy traps, parasites, and pesticides in a tough uphill battle—especially on steep terraced vineyards. If unchecked, the beetles could devastate crops, lawns, and ornamentals, hitting agriculture hard—even if they pose no direct threat to humans.

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