Expansion of the range of the ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, 1888) in the south-east of the European part of Russia

   The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a dangerous pest of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in the northern hemisphere. The data are presented on the current distribution of A. planipennis on the southeastern border of the invasive range in the European part of Russia. From 2021 to 2024 route surveys of plantings and forest stands were carried out with the participation of F. excelsior and F. pennsylvanica on the territory of the Tambov, Penza, Voronezh, Saratov and Volgograd regions. At the end of 2024, the distribution covered the whole Voronezh region, a significant part of the east of the Tambov region, the western and central parts of the Saratov region, the northwestern part of the Volgograd region, the Bekovo and Serdobsk districts of the Penza region and the city of Penza. Both the gradual spread of the pest and the formation of enclaves outside the main territory of the invasive range are observed. The rapid spread of A. planipennis and the formation of isolated foci of mass reproduction are associated with unintentional dispersal by humans via road and rail transport. The primary targets of pest attack are ash forests near roads and railways, railway junctions and stations, and automobile terminals. A. planipennis colonizes both ash species growing in the area, with a clear preference for F. pennsylvanica. The successful advancement of the pest is facilitated by the widespread use of ash trees in forestry and landscaping. Natural forests with F. excelsior located inside the territories of mass reproduction began to be noticeably affected by the pest only in 2023–2024. That was several years after the dieback of F. pennsylvanica stands. Active penetration of the pest into the territory of the Nature Reserve «Khopersky» and the Reserve «Ramonye» (the Voronezh Region) is noted.

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