Invasive leaf-mining moths (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) in Ukraine: ecology, degree of invasion

This chapter is devoted to elucidating the bioecological characteristics of the existence of five invasive leafminer moth species of the family Gracillariidae Steinton, 1854 (Parectopa robiniella (Clemens, 1863), Phyllonorycter issikii (Kumata, 1963), Phyllonorycter platani (Staudinger, 1870), Macrosaccus robiniella (Clemens, 1859) and Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimic, 1986) and extent of their impact on dendroflora in Ukraine. Features of their invasion into various ecosystems were revealed. The effects of Gracillariidae caterpillar feeding on host (food) plants were studied. The caterpillars of invasive leafminer moth species affected the functional state of host plants; it was confirmed by alterations in the content of soluble proteins, activity and isoenzyme composition of benzidine peroxidase during the growing season of the host plants. The study of dynamics of highly soluble proteins showed a decrease in their content at substantial leaf damage. The restructuring of both peroxidase activity and its isoenzyme profile was revealed to be indicators of the plant biochemical adaptation to the feeding of caterpillars of invasive leaf blotch miners. The results obtained show the activation of the enzymatic antioxidant protection system in host plants in response to the damaging effect of Gracillariidae caterpillars, which ensures the survival of the plant and completes its ontogenesis program in unfavorable conditions.