Malevolence in Eden: Is Agrilus mali yet Another Invasive Buprestid?

Agrilus mali Matsumura, native to northeast Asia, is now widespread in western China and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and is knocking on the door of central Asia, the Garden of Eden for the ancestor of domestic apples. The interpretation of invasions poses many challenges: Where did the species originate, how did it arrive, what are the host plants at risk, and was it always present but very rare? We review the evidence for range expansion in A. mali and how it most likely spread. We highlight what has been learned since the invasion and devastation in outbreak areas but are critical of what has not been done well and needs to be done better to put mitigation measures on a firm foundation. An integrated approach to infestations centered on timely pruning of A. mali –infested branches is highly effective for management. On balance, the evidence suggests A. mali is destined to be yet another invasive buprestid.