Woolly ash aphid - is the alien bug posing a threat to European ash trees? - a review

Abstract

Hałaj R., Osiadacz B. (2017): Woolly ash aphid -is the alien bug posing a threat to European ash trees? -a review. Plant Protect. Sci., 53: 127-133.Prociphilus (Meliarhizophagus) fraxinifolii (Riley, 1879) (Hemiptera: Eriosomatidae) is an alien species in Europe that has been spreading quickly there. This paper presents the origin and current occurrence, classification, description, identification, and biology of this species. It also discusses the harmfulness and threats, especially the impact on hostplants and ecosystem, invasion rate and facilitating factors.

Woolly Ash Aphid Prociphilus Fraxinifolii (Riley, 1879) (Hemiptera: Eriosomatidae), A New Invasive Alien Pest of Ash Trees (Fraxinus) in Russia

“…Outside the native range P. fraxinifolii was initially recorded only on species introduced from North America: F. pennsylvanica, F. americana , and F. velutina , so it was suggested that P. fraxinifolii did not affect native ash trees in Europe (C oeur d’acier et al ., 2010; P érez H idalgo & M ier D urante , 2012). But then P. fraxinifolii was also found on European ash F. excelsior (H ałaj & O siadacz , 2017). We have yet found P. fraxinifolii only on F. pennsylvanica, because F. excelsior is rare in Moscow.…”

“…Prociphilus fraxinifolii is monoecious, i.e. does not change host plants during its life cycle (H ałaj & O siadacz , 2017). This feature distinguishes it from other European representatives of the genus feeding on ash trees.…”

“…comprise a significant part of urban plantations and forests in Europe and play an important role in biodiversity, since many animals, plants and fungi are connected with them (F raxigen , 2005). In the last two decades ash trees in Europe are affected by new alien serious pests and pathogens: ash dieback fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus Baral et al, 2014 (Ascomycota), emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, 1888 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and ash leaf curl aphid Prociphilus fraxinifolii (Riley, 1879) (Hemiptera: Eriosomatidae) (H erms & M c C ullough , 2014; G ross et al ., 2014; H ałaj & O siadacz , 2017). They are spreading quickly and causing significant damage to the trees.…”

“…Woolly ash aphid or ash leaf curl aphid Prociphilus fraxinifolii is native to North America. It is a common pest of ash trees in the United States, Canada and Mexico and is introduced to Chile, South Africa, China, Iran and Europe (H ałaj & O siadacz , 2017). In 2003 it was firstly recorded in Europe in Budapest (Hungary) (R emaudiere & R ipka , 2003).…”

“…In 2003 it was firstly recorded in Europe in Budapest (Hungary) (R emaudiere & R ipka , 2003). Then it quickly spread to the Ukraine (first record in 2005), Serbia (2006), Bulgaria (2007), Great Britain (2011), Spain (2011), Poland (2012), and Germany (2015) (M artynov & N ikulina , 2016; H ałaj & O siadacz , 2017). In 2016 P. fraxinifolii was firstly recorded at the southwestern border of Russia (Rostov Region, Avilo-Uspenka Village) (M artynov & N ikulina , 2016).…”