Quarantine Species Research Articles

Characterization of core microbiota of barley seeds from different continents for origin tracing and quarantine pathogen assessment

Seeds are important microbial vectors, and seed-associated pathogens can be introduced into a country through trade, resulting in yield and quality losses in agriculture. The aim of this study was to characterize the microbial communities associated with barley seeds, and based on which, to develop technical approaches to trace their geographical origins, and to inspect and identify quarantine pathogens. Our analysis defined the core microbiota of barley seed and revealed significant differences in the barley seed-associated microbial communities among different continents, suggesting a strong geographic specificity of the barley seed microbiota. By implementing a machine learning model, we achieved over 95% accuracy in tracing the origin of barley seeds. Furthermore, the analysis of co-occurrence and exclusion patterns provided important insights into the identification of candidate biocontrol agents or microbial inoculants that could be useful in improving barley yield and quality. A core pathogen database was developed, and a procedure for inspecting potential quarantine species associated with barley seed was established. These approaches proved effective in detecting four fungal and three bacterial quarantine species for the first time in the port of China. This study not only characterized the core microbiota of barley seeds but also provided practical approaches for tracing the regional origin of barley and identifying potential quarantine pathogens.

First report of large-berry coffee (Coffea liberica) anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum kahawae in China.

Large-berry coffee (Coffea liberica) is one of the three cultivated coffee species and a precious breeding germplasm in China (Yan et al, 2019). Anthracnose is a damaging epidemic disease on coffee worldwide (Mohammed et al. 2015). Between June and September 2022, anthracnose was observed on coffee plants in Puer area, Yunnan, China and disease incidence (% plants diseased) of 8.5%-28.2% was recorded in the field. The disease symptoms were observed at all growth stages. Lesions on leaves were circular or oval, with a white to gray central zone outlined by a brown margin and surrounded by a chlorotic halo, Φ5.1-18.5 mm; some lesions extended and coalesced later to form large, blighted areas, leading to complete leaf senescence, defoliation and bare blighted branches on heavily infected trees. The spots on coffee berries were oval or fusiform, sunken and brown-black; diseased berries became gray-black and dried-out but remained on the tree. Leaves with typical anthracnose lesions were collected from fields in Simao ( 22.07°E,100.98°N) to isolate the pathogen. Leaf pieces (5×5mm) from the lesion margin were cut, surface-sterilized with 75% ethanol and 2% NaClO, and cultured on PDA at 25°C. Three isolates with the same colony morphology were obtained by hyphal tip purification. Detached and intact leaves of 6-month coffee seedlings were inoculated with Φ5mm mycelial discs of the isolates. Anthracnose lesions developed on the inoculated leaves, with all 3 isolates, 7d after incubation in a growth chamber (25°C, > 90% RH and lighting 8 h/d at 11000 lux). Pathogens with the same colony morphology as those of the original isolates were re-isolated from the infected tissues of inoculated leaves, thus fulfilling Koch's Postulates. The ITS sequence (PP550861) for the isolate was PCR-amplified and Blast-n analyses showed 100 % (554/554bp) identity to Colletotrichum kahawae LWTJ01; so they were the same population and coded as KFTJ02. The actin (ACT), calmodulin(CAL), glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPHD) and histone 3 (HIS3) genes (Qiu et al. 2020) were amplified from one of KFTJ02 isolates, sequenced and deposited in NCBI GenBank (OR842543, OR842544, OR842545 & OR842546). A phylogenetic tree was generated based on the concatenated sequences of the four genes and those of related Colletotrichum spp. using MEGA 6.0 and KFTJ02 clustered in the same clade with C. kahawae IMI319418 on the tree (Bootstrap sup.=88%). When cultured at 25°C on PDA for 7 days, its colonies were near round or ovoid, gray-white, contoured, Φ73.2-80.1 (76.2±2.3)mm or growth rate 10.2-11.1(8.1) mm/d (n=10). The hyphae were hyaline, septated, branching at near right angles. Conidial masses formed 14 days after incubation. The conidia were elliptical, hyaline, monocellular, 10.2-15.5 (12.7±1.06)×3.8-5.2 (4.3±0.52) µm (n=50). The appressoria were black-brown, oval or irregular, 7.8-9.3 (8.5±0.81)μm (n= 50). These morphological characteristics were consistent with those of C. kahawae (Bridge et al, 2008). Therefore, KFTJ02 was identified as C. kahawae, which has been found to infect Camellia oleifera, Areca catechu and Ficus microcarpa (Wei et al, 2023; Zhang et al, 2020; Lin 2023). The coffee berry disease pathogen (C. kahawae) is a quarantine species which has not been recorded and so it is first reported on coffee crops in China. Results of the present study provide important references for further studies on this disease.

Rapid identification of Ips sexdentatus (Boerner, 1766) (Curculionidae) from adults and frass with real-time PCR based on probe technology

A molecular tool has been developed for the molecular identification of Ips sexdentatus (Börner 1776) (Coleoptera Curculionidae Scolytidae), the well-known six thooted bark beetle, widely distributed in Eurasia, where it infests several species of the genus Pinus and occasionally a few conifer species of the genera Abies, Larix and Picea. The developed test can be useful both in countries where I. sexdentatus is handled as a quarantine species and, to greater reason, in Europe to discriminate biological traces of this commonly found beetle from those produced by regulated pests. The protocol is based on real-time PCR with TaqMan probe technology and has been developed on whole insect bodies (adults) as well as on artificial frass contaminated by DNA of the beetle. The molecular test developed here for both direct and indirect identification of I. sexdentatus has proven effective in terms of analytical specificity, analytical sensitivity, reliability and reproducibility. The recommended protocol is a practical diagnostic tool allowing a rapid identification of the six toothed bark beetle in the presence of any biological trace of other xylophagous pests collected at points of entry during phytosanitary surveys.

Phytocoenotic assessment of herbaceous plant communities in the organic sweet cherry orchard

Biodiversity loss is one on global environmental issues facing humanity. Intensive use of natural resources has led to degradation of landscapes and reduction of the species diversity of plant communities. Therefore, finding natural solutions to overcome these challenges is an urgent issue. The purpose of the study was to investigate the dynamics of floral composition and coenotic structure of herbaceous plant communities in an organic cherry orchard for the sustainable functioning of the agricultural landscape. The dynamics of the coenotic composition of natural grasses of vegetation cover in the organic cherry orchard was studied during 2013-2020 in the arid conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine on low-humus sandy loam soils. Morphological, ecological, and geographical methods were used to investigate the species diversity of flora in an organic garden. The composition of herbaceous plant communities was estimated using conbentional geobotanic description methods. The results of the study of the species composition and coenotic structure of plant communities of grass cover in an organic sweet cherry orchard are presented. Grassing of the garden with natural grasses has led to the enrichment of agricultural landscapes with useful species that are important components of sustainable agricultural systems and can perform ecological services. Colonisation of the grass cover by invasive and quarantine species was not observed due to natural processes of demutation succession and the use of moderate four-fold mowing of plants during the growing season (to a height of 15- 20 cm). As part of herbal plant communities in the 8th year of research, all species were useful, had medicinal properties, and served as a food base. The natural grasses in an organic sweet cherry orchard are a resource of biomass and biodiversity. Phytocoenotic analysis of the grass cover in the organic cherry orchard will allow substantiating and proposing principles for predicting the development of plant communities to optimise their structure, improve quality, and maintain biodiversity

Ways of introduction of quarantine harmful organisms Spodoptera eridania, S. frugiperda, S. littoralis and S. litura

Goal. Determine possible ways of introduction of quarantine harmful organisms S. eridania, S. frugiperda, S. littoralis and S. litura into the territory of Ukraine.
 Methods. For each studied organism, the geographical distribution and spectrum of their host plants were taken into account. According to the data of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, it was found out whether imported products, with which the investigated pests can be associated, arrive on the territory of Ukraine from the areas of their distribution. The possibility of penetration of quarantine species of scoops by natural means and the biological features of their distribution were evaluated.
 Results. It was established that the main ways of penetration of the studied organisms are their distribution on the leaves of host plants with plant products, with vegetable products, planting material and decorative plants, plants in pots in the stages of eggs, larvae or pupae. The spread of pests naturally occurs due to imago flights over considerable distances. In addition, the presence of air currents can help the spread of quarantine scoops to even greater distances from the territories where their development takes place.
 Conclusions. Scoop butterflies are naturally able to migrate long distances. The introduction of pests of the genus Spodoptera takes place in the stages of eggs, larvae or pupae, mainly with vegetable products, ornamental plants and soil mixtures imported into Ukraine. During a full-scale war between Russia and our countrythe presence of Russian military equipment in the partially occupied southern regions of Ukraine makes it possible for Spodoptera litura Fabr., which is common in the south of the Russian Federation, to enter Ukraine. Also, military equipment from those NATO countries where quarantine pests of the genus Spodoptera are widespread enters Ukraine.

First record of non-native Xylosandrus compactus and Anisandrus maiche (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in Slovenia.

The introduction of non-native organisms into new areas may pose major threats to natural ecosystems. Therefore, continuous and careful national surveys for the interception of invasive non-native species are necessary. During the national survey of quarantine species in 2023, two new non-native ambrosia beetles, Anisandrus maiche (Kurentzov) and Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff), were recorded in Slovenia. Anisandrus maiche was recorded in three locations in the eastern part of Slovenia, with a total of 386 individuals. Three individuals of Xylosandrus compactus were collected in one location near the port of Koper. We discuss the possible pathways of introduction and dispersal.

Detection and Identification of Quarantine and Non-Quarantine Pest Species of Prunus avium Agroecosystem in Kyrgyzstan

Research of agroecosystem is a comprehensive study of one species with in biocenosis taking into account integrated plant protection to increase output. Gardeners in developing countries most often resort to the use of highly toxic universal pesticides, which leads to the Pesticide Syndrome with general decline of these products. The purpose of the research is to identify fauna of the cherry orchard in the south of Kyrgyzstan to apply eco-methods to control pest of stone fruits. Research objectives: 1) identification of organisms in the agrocenosis of the cherry orchard; 2) classification into biological groups; 3) comparison of the experimental and control fields. Our work was carried out in the autumn and spring periods on 2 experimental fields in the South of Kyrgyzstan for 2021-2022. The identified fauna species comprised of 26 species, which are: Coleoptera (26.9%) the largest order; followed by Lepidoptera and Equidoptera (Homoptera) (19.2%); and Hymenoptera (15.4%). The others are less than 10%: Diptera (7.7%); Acariformes; Hemiptera; Neuroptera (3.8%). At the same time, Coleoptera (26.9%) and Lepidoptera pests make up the bulk of the biomass of the agrocenosis of cherry orchard (19.2%) which dominants and most harmful. The research field no. 1 with annual pesticide load has 20% quarantine pest species with no zoophages among identified species. Whereas non-pesticide-treated field no. 2, no quarantine species, there is biocontrol and with richer biodiversity where trophic relationships is preserved.

Reemergence and sister brood establishment in the bark beetle Polygraphus proximus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) under laboratory conditions

AbstractReemergence and sister broods (second broods) are commonly observed in bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), particularly in species with male-initiated polygyny and female-initiated monogyny. Polygraphus proximus Blandford, a male-initiated monogynous bark beetle, is a quarantine species in the EU, which has been introduced from east Asia into both Siberia and central European Russia, causing mortality of trees across large areas of Abies sibirica forests. To clear whether P. proximus females reemerge to lay additional broods (sister broods), we observed the reproduction of reemerged females under laboratory conditions. We prepared 25 females reproducing in galleries collected by peeling the infested logs and 25 females reemerged from such logs. These females were put into the tubes vertically attached onto the surfaces of logs. Consequently, approximately 40% of both the reproducing females in galleries and the reemerged females bored into the logs and established sister broods without repeated mating. Moreover, 21% of these reproducing females established sister broods again using the same procedures, suggesting that the females can establish sister broods more than once. Our results indicated that the fecundity of P. proximus is higher than previously assumed, suggesting that its population levels can rapidly increase in weakened or dead trees, ultimately leading to the ability to attack healthy trees during the epidemic phase.

Identification of the ambrosia beetle Xyleborinus saxesenii (Ratzeburg, 1837) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) from frass and adult DNA by TaqMan Probe real‐time‐PCR

AbstractA molecular tool has been set up for the unambiguous molecular identification of the ambrosia beetle, Xyleborinus saxesenii (Ratzeburg, 1837) (Coleoptera Curculionidae Scolytinae), the cosmopolitan fruit‐tree pinhole borer, widely distributed in temperate regions of the five continents, where it infests a wide range of hardwoods and softwoods. The test was based on real‐time PCR with TaqMan probe technology and was developed on whole insect bodies (adults) as well as on frass produced by the beetle. The test was shown to meet the criteria established by EPPO for the harmonization of molecular diagnostic methods. In particular, the test gave good results in terms of analytical specificity (inclusivity and exclusivity) and analytical sensitivity, and was fully repeatable and reproducible. Since X. saxesenii is one of the most commonly intercepted ambrosia beetles during phytosanitary controls worldwide, this practical diagnostic tool will be useful for its rapid identification of the beetle in biological material (frass, body fragments). The test can be useful in countries where X. saxesenii is a quarantine species, as well as in the EPPO region.

Development of a Rapid Isothermal Amplification Assay for the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Using Species-Specific Genomic Sequences

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Hemisphere, but is now regularly appearing in crop fields across South Korea, particularly in corn fields. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly and accurately identify the presence of FAW in crop fields to effectively eradicate it as a regulated quarantine species. We developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, which allows for rapid in-filed identification. To develop the LAMP assay, we selected FAW-specific genomic regions from the whole-genome sequences of one FAW and 13 other lepidopteran species and validated five primer sets that consistently produced positive reactions in ten FAW samples collected from eight different locations in four countries. The assay successfully identified FAW in a maximum of 45 min, starting from crude DNA extraction (~15 min) to diagnosis (30 min) from the following samples, which were deposited outdoors for 30 days: a 1st-instar larva, an adult leg, an adult antenna, and 1/16 and 1/8 of an adult thorax. The five assays can be used selectively or in combination to cross-check and provide further confidence in the in-field diagnosis of FAW.

Harnessing the power of comparative genomics to support the distinction of sister species within Phyllosticta and development of highly specific detection of Phyllosticta citricarpa causing citrus black spot by real-time PCR.

Citrus crops are affected by many fungal diseases. Among them, Citrus Black Spot caused by the ascomycete Phyllosticta citricarpa is particularly economically damaging wherever it occurs. Many other species of Phyllosticta are described on Citrus, but only P. citricarpa is considered a quarantine pest on the European continent. In order to prevent the introduction of this species into Europe, it is essential to have a detection test which can reliably identify it, and not confuse it with other species present on citrus, notably P. paracitricarpa. The latter taxon has recently been described as very close to P. citricarpa, and most detection tests do not allow to distinguish the two species. In this work, we exploited the genomic data of 37 isolates of Phyllosticta spp. from citrus, firstly to assess their phylogenetic relationships, and secondly to search for genomic regions that allowed the definition of species-specific markers of P. citricarpa. Analysis of 51 concatenated genes separated P. citricarpa and P. paracitricarpa in two phylogenetic clades. A locus was selected to define a hydrolysis probe and primers combination that could be used in real-time PCR for the specific detection of the quarantine species, to the exclusion of all others present on Citrus. This test was then thoroughly validated on a set of strains covering a wide geographical diversity, and on numerous biological samples to demonstrate its reliability for regulatory control. The validation data highlighted the need to check the reliability of the test in advance, when a change of reagents was being considered.

New records of Ripersiella (Tinsley) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Rhizoecidae) species and identification key of Rhizoecidae in Italy

Biological invasions are one of the major constraints worldwide because of the economic and environmental consequences they may pose. Root mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Rhizoecidae) are continuously transported worldwide with plant soil because of their cryptic behavior. In this study it was reported the presence of Ripersiella multiporifera Jansen in Sicily for the first time and discussed the presence of R. maasbachi (Jansen) and R. hibisci (Kawai & Takagi) in Italy. A key is provided to identify the species of Rhizoecidae currently known in Italy. The species were identified by morphological features and characterized molecularly by using a partial COI mitochondrial gene. Our report alerts the presence of alien root mealybugs in Italy. R. hibisci is a quarantine species listed in Annex IIA of EU Regulation 2019/2072.

TO THE FINDING OF SOME ALIEN SPECIES OF THE FAMILY POACEAE IN DAGESTAN

The paper provides information on new species of the Poaceae family, alien for the flora of Dagestan and the Eastern Caucasus, identified during field studies and in the analysis of various herbarium collections in 2020-2022. For the flora of the Eastern Caucasus, Echinochloa tzvelevii and Setaria adhaerens are indicated for the first time, and the presence of feral cultivated species in the flora of Dagestan is confirmed: Avena sativa, Lolium multiflorum, Sorghum drummondii, Sorghum technicum . For the first time for the flora of Dagestan, the quarantine species Cenchrus longispinus is presented. For each species, a brief description of the location is given, information on population status, phenophase, etc. is presented. In addition, an invasive status was assigned to each species, according to the criteria and guidelines used in the work on the regional "Black Books". Sorghum technicum and Cenchrus longispinus have a higher invasive potential (status 2), while the remaining 5 species ( Avena sativa, Echinochloa tzvelevii, Lolium multiflorum, Sorghum drummondii, Setaria adhaerens ) occur in disturbed and segetal communities (status 3).

The Status of Root-Knot Nematodes of the Meloidogyne Genus in Croatia, with a Special Reference to the Quarantine Species

Root-knot nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne belong to the most economically important group of plant-parasitic nematodes and also to the most important plant pests that can cause significant economic losses in crop production. They are poly phagous, highly adapted, obligate endoparasites of nearly all higher plant species, including the important agricultural crops. Within the genus Meloidogyne, about one hundred species have been described, of which the four species-that is, the Meloidogyne incognita, M. arenaria, M. javanica, and M. hapla-are the important plant pests and the most widespread species worldwide. As of 2010, twenty-three species have been confirmed in Europe, of which three non-quarantine species have been detected in Croatia. Many nematode species of the genus Meloidogyne can be considered dangerous invasive pests in agriculture, as they can spread rapidly due to the global trade, changing production technologies leading to a reduced use of pesticides, and climatic changes. To prevent or to limit the introduction and spread of the three species of root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne chitwoodi, M. fallax, and M. enterolobii, respectively, were entered in the European list of quarantine nematodes. The species M. mali is incorporated in the EPPO A2 quarantine list, in addition to the three aforementioned species, while the M. ethiopica, M. luci, and M. graminicola are on the EPPO Alert List. It is expected that the tropical Meloidogyne species, for instance the M. enterolobii, M. ethiopica, and M. luci, as well as the M. incognita, M. arenaria, and M. javanica, will become the important pests in the temperate zones due to the new,) climatic conditions, more favorable for their development, which can pose a huge risk to the agricultural production. In Croatia, a wide distribution of nematode populations of the genus Meloidogyne spp. was con firmed, but a scientific knowledge about the species identification is very modest. Due to the variety of soil and climatic conditions present in Croatia, it is expected that more Meloidogyne species than those that are known so far will be detected in the future. This is one of the reasons for starting a more intensive monitoring of the Meloidogyne species in Croatia too.

Санитарное и лесопатологическое состояние хвойно-широколиственных (смешанных) лесов Калининградской области

The monitoring data of the sanitary and forest pathology state of the forest resources in the Kaliningrad region are presented. The influence of such main factors on the sanitary and forest pathology state of stands for the period from 2019 to 2021 is considered, namely forest fires, unfavorable weather and soil-climatic conditions, the distribution of pests and diseases foci, as well as anthropogenic and non-pathogenic factors. Their threat to forest plantations is analyzed. The main reasons for the plantations death of the forest fund of the Kaliningrad region are highlighted, they are negative weather and soil-climatic conditions (70 % of the total damaged area) and diseases. The results of the distribution of the forest fund areas for reasons with the established weakening and destruction of plantations, the distribution of pests and diseases foci are presented. The main species of insect pest — typographer bark beetle (Ips typographus) — has been determined. The absence of insects — forest pests, listed in the Red Data Books of the Russian Federation and the Kaliningrad region, and classified as quarantine species — was recorded. The impact of negative factors causing the weakening (drying out) of forest plantations in the Kaliningrad region has been analyzed, it is recommended to conduct forest pathological monitoring, sanitary and recreational activities, perform reclamation work, strengthen control over the timing and quality of forest protection measures, and in particular sanitary cuttings, by the authority executive power of the subject and its subordinate institutions.

Different trap designs and attractants affect the capture of multiple life stages of Trogoderma granarium Everts and Trogoderma variabile Ballion in the laboratory

Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) is categorized as one of the most destructive species in stored products and it is considered as an important quarantine species in many parts of the world. Some countries in Asia also consider Trogoderma variabile Ballion a biosecurity risk. In the present study, five series of laboratory tests were performed to examine 2–3 different traps and five different attractants for the capture of T. granarium adults and larvae and T. variabile larvae. In the first test, a series of four-choice assays with two different traps were evaluated separately with five different attractants each and adult/larval captures of T. granarium were recorded after 7 days. In the second test, the two different traps were placed together containing different attractants each time. In tests 3, 4 and 5, no-choice trapping trials were conducted with the same traps and attractants in arenas with young or old T. granarium or T. variabile larvae. There were low numbers of captured adults and larvae for both species, but larvae generally responded better than the adults in most combinations tested. Trogoderma granarium larvae responded to different attractants compared with adults which preferred oil and gel. Moreover, wheat germ was less preferred by adults than larvae for T. granarium. Moreover, the trap type affected the captures of young T. variabile larvae. The current data indicated that there are specific combinations of traps and attractants that are more effective for the detection of T. granarium, which can be further evaluated in area-wide monitoring strategies at food facilities.

Quarantine species of nematodes are limited in Ukraine

Quarantine species of nematodes are limited in Ukraine

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIRE BLIGHT PATHOGEN ERWINIA AMYLOVORA ISOLATED FROM FRUIT CULTURES IN SOUTHEASTERN KAZAKHSTAN

One of the most dangerous and quarantine diseases of fruit crops of the Rosaceae family is fire blight which affected on plants. Its causative agent Erwinia amylovora causes necrosis of all organs of host plants. In the territory of Republic of Kazakhstan, the disease belongs to a limited number of quarantine species. A special place is given to laboratory diagnostics of E.amylovora, which is necessary for reliable detection of the pathogen. Bacteriological analyses of diseased samples of fruit crops were carried out under laboratory conditions to isolate pathogens into pure cultures. Isolating of the quarantine and causative agent of fire blight into a pure culture was carried out on King B nutrient media, Levan and Miller Schroth selective media. They were tested for pathogenicity on indicator plants of indoor geranium by hypersensitivity reaction by the infectious-infiltration method of Clement. The pathogenicity of isolated bacteria was also tested by testing on unripe pear fruits, on which the damaging bacteria caused the release of milky-white exudate. After the selected isolates of the fire blight pathogen were identified by two pairs of specific primers PEANT F/PEANT2 R and FER F/rgER2-R approved by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization. For molecular differentiation, the nucleotide sequences of 16S rRNA genes were compared

Can quarantine plant-parasitic nematodes within wastes be managed by useful tools in a circular economy approach?

Seen as an integral part of sustainable development, circular economy represents a model of production and consumption notably based on the limitation of both resource wastage and environmental impact. Laboratories and commercial companies working on plant pathogens, in particular quarantine species, must effectively disinfect their waste to avoid disseminating these organisms. The methods used for waste disinfection can however incur high energy costs or pose environmental and human health hazards. Here, we tested the effectiveness of five disinfection methods — chlorination, heat treatment, composting, mesophilic methanation and waste stabilization ponds — on plant-parasitic nematodes belonging to the genera Globodera and Meloidogyne. For the widely used chlorination and heat treatment methods, we showed that they can be very effective in inactivating nematodes at relatively low chlorine doses and temperatures (60 °C–3 min and 50 °C–30 min), respectively. For the three other disinfection methods tested, initially designed for waste recycling, we obtained different levels of efficiency. Composting and mesophilic methanation (based on cattle or pig slurry) both led to the complete elimination of nematodes, even for short treatment durations. However, waste stabilization ponds showed contrasting results, ranging from virtually no effect to high levels of inactivation of nematodes. Our study demonstrates that it is possible to use more environmentally friendly disinfection methods to control plant-parasitic nematodes. In particular, this finding paves the way towards the treatment of infected plant materials using composting or methanation, providing that disinfection is still reached under other (real-life) treatment conditions, especially with other kinds of waste. Both composting and methanation recycle and thus valorize infected waste; they are viable alternatives to landfilling or incineration, thereby demonstrating the usefulness of a circular economy approach.

NEW DATA ON THE SOUTHEASTERN BORDER OF THE INVASIVE RANGE OF <i>AGRILUS PLANIPENNIS</i> (COLEOPTERA: BUPRESTIDAE) IN THE EUROPEAN PART OF RUSSIA

The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis , which is native to East Asia, is a highly destructive pest of ash trees ( Fraxinus sp.) in European Russia and North America. This quarantine species is currently spreading in the European part of Russia and in the east of Ukraine. The purpose of this study is to determine the distribution of the species in the south-east of the main part of the invasive range. The material is collected in the Tambov, Voronezh and Volgograd regions of the European part of Russia in 2021. The pest has spread to the central areas of the Tambov region, has almost completely populated the Voronezh region and has penetrated into the north-western part of the Volgograd region. Findings of Agrilus planipennis have shown that the invader continues to spread to the southeast of the European part of Russia. Agrilus planipennis is already located in the immediate vicinity of the regions of the European part of Russia, in which the common ash occupies the largest share in the forest fund. Further expansion will cause significant ecological and economic damage.