Record of the Emerald Ash Borer (<i>Agrilus planipennis</i>) in Ukraine is Confirmed

• Main Authors: Alexander N. Drogvalenko, Marina J. Orlova-Bienkowskaja, Andrzej O. Bieńkowski
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-10-01
• Series: Insects
• Subjects: emerald ash borer; eab; ukraine; europe; <i>fraxinus pennsylvanica</i>; ash trees; invasive pest; plant quarantine
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/10/10/338

<i>Agrilus planipennis</i> (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is a devastating invasive pest of ash trees. This wood-boring insect is native to Asia and established in European Russia about 20 years ago. It severely damages <i>Fraxinus pennsylvanica</i> plantations and quickly spreads. In 2019 we first detected <i>A. planipennis</i> in Ukraine. More than 20 larvae were collected from under the bark of <i>F. pennsylvanica</i> trees on 5 September 2019 in the Markivka District of the Luhansk Region. The coordinates of the localities of collection were 49.614991 N, 39.559743 E; 49.614160 N, 39.572402 E; and 49.597043 N, 39.561811 E. The photos of the damaged trees with larval galleries, exit holes and larvae are presented. It indicates that <i>A. planipennis</i> is established in the east of Ukraine. This fact is important for development of quarantine protocols to prevent or at least slow the further spread of this invasive pest in Europe.