Prociphilus fraxinifolii (Riley) - woolly ash aphid

 

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Publication Date

Thu, 30 Jun 2022, 15:00

Last Updated

June 30, 2022, 3 p.m.

Report Number

GBR-27/2

Country

United Kingdom

Pest Id

Prociphilus fraxinifolii - (PROCFX)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Geographical Distribution

Found on one street tree in Herefordshire

Summary

The woolly ash aphid, P. fraxinifolii (Riley), is native to North America where it is common and widely distributed in the USA, in Canada (British Columbia and Manitoba) and Mexico. It has been introduced to Chile (1977), South Africa (1958), Hungary (2003), Bulgaria (2007) and Serbia (2007). It lives all year round on American Fraxinus species including F. pennsylvanica, but it is not known to feed on F. excelsior, European ash. Heavy infestations cause premature defoliation and stunt growth. It has been reported to have a mutualistic association with the ash-tree bolete fungus Boletinellus merulioides in which the aphid gains protection while it is feeding on the roots and the fungus gains nutrients from the honeydew. In 2011, P. fraxinifolii was detected on a semi-mature F. pennsylvanica on a street tree in Herefordshire in the west of England. The identification was confirmed by the Natural History Museum, London. No statutory action is being taken to eradicate the pest. The status of P. fraxinifolii in the UK can be described as: Present, found in one location.

Danger

None

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