Invasion of Emerald Ash Borer Agrilus planipennis and Ash Dieback Pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus in Ukraine—A Concerted Action

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is a beetle that originates from East Asia. Upon invasion to North America in the early 2000s, it killed untold millions of ash trees. In European Russia, EAB was first detected Moscow 2003 and proved have potential also kill native (Fraxinus excelsior). The has since spread all geographic directions, establishing itself eastern Ukraine by 2019 possessing for further westward towards EU. Apart approaching EAB, F. excelsior currently threatened dieback disease (ADB) caused invasive ascomycete fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. infestation combined with ADB infection expected be more lethal than either them alone, yet consequences are unknown. To date, represents area which both invasions overlap, thus providing opportunity related investigations. aims study were investigate: (i) expansion range Ukraine, (ii) relative susceptibility American pennsylvanica) ADB, (iii) effect/impact on condition imposed pest subjected invasion. results demonstrated expanding terms newly infested trees invaded area; resistant pennsylvanica, while susceptible pennsylvanica; likely predispose EAB. It concluded inventory mapping surviving excelsior, affected necessary acquire genetic resources work strategic, long-term restoration devastated areas, thereby tackling possible