Potential Distribution of the Invasive Species Metcalfa pruinosa (Hemiptera, Flatidae) and Perspectives of its Classical Biocontrol in Ukraine

Abstract

The study used GIS software and climate projections to assess the distribution potential of the citrus planthopper Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) in Ukraine, taking into account global climate change. The model showed that climatic conditions in Ukraine meet the requirements of the species in the European part of its range, considering various indicators such as the sum of active temperatures, mean annual temperature and precipitation. The whole territory of Ukraine could potentially be a range for M. pruinosa due to suitable climatic conditions and the presence of host plants, with Zakarpattia, Crimea and the forest and woodland and steppe zones of Ukraine being the most favourable. Current phytosanitary measures are not sufficient to prevent its spread and a pest management system is needed to reduce the damage. The parasitoid Neodryinus typhlocybae (Ashmead, 1893) (Hymenoptera, Dryinidae) from North America could serve as a classical biological control agent, and suitable areas in southern Ukraine have been identified using GIS modelling. To manage the risk effectively, it is recommended that M. pruinosa be added to the list of regulated, non-quarantined pests in Ukraine.