An invasive threat in Roman pines 

An invasive insect species, Toumeyella parvicornis, otherwise known as pine tortoise scale, native to South America, has become a significant threat to the Roman pines in the region where Sicily-Rome American Cemetery is located. With around 400 pine trees at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, the insect infestation demands yearly treatment to preserve the health of these iconic trees. If left untreated, the trees will dry up and die, as has already occurred in nearby pine forests. 

On-site pest management training  

To combat the invasive species, the team at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery completed extensive pest management training in September 2024. They successfully passed a certification test required to conduct the treatments on-site. Now, with the treatment season underway, the team has moved from theoretical learning to hands-on tree treatment training. 

Practical training session with Dr. Fabrizio Mulas 

On April 8, 2025, Dr. Fabrizio Mulas, an expert in invasive species management, visited the site for an on-site training session. He began by providing a refresher on pest control techniques and demonstrated how to properly drill into a tree trunk, how much treatment solution to apply, and the correct method for injecting the solution into living trees. 

After the demonstration, Sicily-Rome American Cemetery senior gardeners Dimitri Manuzzi and Gianni Ricci practiced the technique on a living pine next to one of the plots. Mulas provided step-by-step guidance to ensure accurate and effective treatment. Later in the morning, the rest of the team took turns applying the treatment under Mulas’ supervision. 

Cost savings and long-term benefits for the site 

This on-the-job training not only enhanced the team’s practical skills but also equipped the site to perform the treatment independently. By training the team internally, Sicily-Rome American Cemetery’s team will save thousands of euros by eliminating the need for outsourced services. Moreover, the team will be able to track and monitor the treatment progress in real-time, ensuring the long-term survival of the Roman pines. 

Looking ahead: ensuring the future of Roman pines 

With this new skill set, the team is well-prepared to continue its efforts in protecting the Roman pines from the damaging effects of the invasive pine tortoise scale. The annual treatments will help preserve these iconic trees, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy their beauty.