Southern Range Expansion of the Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis, in Russia Threatens Ash and Olive Trees in the Middle East and Southern Europe

Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is the most serious invasive pest of ash trees (Fraxinus spp., Oleaceae) in world. It has not yet reached range olive tree plantations, however it been shown to complete its life cycle this host tree. This native East Asia was first found Europe Moscow 2003 and spreading ever since. The aims study were determine if southern border already Caucasus assess potential region based on availability heat availability. In 2021, we surveyed south known Russia. We did find six cities North but city Azov close Caucasus. Analysis information about 550 localities showed that Fraxinus spp. common throughout region. calculation annual growing degree days base 10 °C indicated places where grow above 1500 m are too cold for A. therefore could potentially become a refuge trees. spread concern. First, forest ecosystems endangered, since European excelsior much more there than currently infested regions Second, Russian can gateway Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey other countries Middle Southern Europe. propose using angustifolia, F. ornus Olea europaea adjacent as sentinel monitoring risk assessment these species.