Meet Me Halfway: preservation of forest biodiversity in the face of alien species invasions.

Due to global trade and climate change, forests are exposed to unprecedented threats from invasive pests and pathogens.

Irreversible economic and ecological losses of ash (Fraxinus) species are related to ash dieback fungus (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) in Europe and the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in North America, both of which originate from Far East Asia. Recently, both these invasive species were overlapped in Europe (Ukraine).

As spread of emerald ash borer towards western Europe is inevitable, we expect that Fraxinus species, particular F. excelsior and its associated species in Europe will be at risk for further decline or even extinction.

The project aims to generate new knowledge that can guide the development of policies to save ash and its associated biodiversity before emerald ash borer spread throughout Europe.

Project’s objective will focus functional roles of fungal community associated with beetles; how new exotic fungi can strengthen ash mortality in Europe and induce possible shifts in local biodiversity associated with ash; study resistance mechanisms in European ash to both alien invaders for further resistance breeding.This knowledge is crucial to develop mitigation and adaption options to reduce extinction cascade impact and conserve ash-associated biodiversity, as well as for future ash breeding.