Infestation of ash emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) on the territory of National University of Life and Environmental Sciences (NULES) of Ukraine

The aim of the study was to assess the sanitary condition of ash trees of the genus Fraxinus spp. on the territory of NULES of Ukraine and to monitor the number of invasive species Agrilus planipennis. The inventory data of 2021-2023 were presented, where it was noted that the condition of 66% of ash trees was characterised as good. A detailed survey in 2024 revealed a rapid deterioration of ash trees throughout the study area. It was found that a significant weakening of Fraxinus spp. trees was noted on the territory of the Botanical Garden of the National University of Life Sciences of Ukraine and near the stadium. It was worth noting that 13% of trees without signs of damage were located in the depths of the forest, as the emerald ash borer was a potential feeder for trees growing openly, although with a significant distribution the insect can inhabit trees in the depths of the plantation. During the detailed forest pathology survey, Agrilus planipennis adults and D-shaped flight holes were found. The number of typical D-shaped flight holes per 1 dm2 was calculated to determine the density of settlement and production of young beetles. The maximum number of exit holes per 1 dm2 was 4.2 ± 1.8, so with an average number of exit holes of 1-2.4 per 1 dm2, 35 to 100% of the trees inhabited by the moth could dry out within 2-3 seasons. To determine the number and distribution of Agrilus planipennis adults, pheromone traps’ surveys with artificially synthesised pheromone and traps without pheromone to attract insects by colour were conducted. According to the results of the counts, it was found that adults of Agrilus planipennis were presented only in traps with artificially synthesised pheromones