Emerald Ash Borer Biological Control
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Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team http://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY FOR FOREST HEALTH PROTECTION Emerald Ash Borer Biological Control The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (EAB) is an exotic invasive wood-boring beetle native to Asia (China, Korea, Japan, and Mongolia) and the Russian Far East and Taiwan. EAB is threatening all species of North America’s ash trees: green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), white ash (F. americana) and black ash (F. nigra). It was first discovered in the United States in Michigan in 2002. It is believed that EAB was accidently introduced in shipping crate materials. By 2008, EAB had been discovered in seven states (Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia) as well as parts of Canada. EAB is well suited to US climate conditions and as of 2013, it has Biology and Nature of Ecological Damage now spread to an additional fifteen states. (See map.) Emerald ash borer adults are bright metallic green and about 7.5 to 13.5 mm long and 1.6 mm wide, with the female slightly larger than the male. The adults feed on the leaves of ash trees, but cause little damage. EAB adults mate shortly after emerging. Each female beetle lays 60–90 eggs in their lifetime and the eggs typically hatch in 7–10 days. The dorso-ventrally flattened larvae reach a length of 26 to 32 mm, and are white to cream colored with a brown head. The small larvae bore through the bark and feed on the phloem and young sapwood which inhibits the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. As they feed, the larvae create serpentine galleries filled with frass under the bark, eventually killing the tree in 2 –3 years. The larvae continue to develop into early fall. In the spring, EAB pupae transform into adults and in 1 to 2 weeks a new generation of EAB adult beetles emerge through D-shaped exit holes. Adult beetles live two to three weeks. In general the EAB life cycle is one year, but in colder areas it may take two years. Left to right: galleries; EAB larvae found in the outer sap- As the larvae feed during the summer, nutrient wood. Images: http://www.forestryimages.org Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team http://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY FOR FOREST HEALTH PROTECTION and water transport is interrupted. Foliage wilts Biological Control and branches die. Many trees die after 3–4 Exploration for natural enemies of emerald years of infestation. An estimated 150 million ash borer were initiated in 2003 and contin- ash trees have already been killed by EAB. ue today (2013). Of the natural enemies re- covered from EAB in China, three parasitoids Traditional Control were the most promising: an egg parasitoid Typically, traditional control involves the Oobius agrili (Encyrtidae), a larval endopara- application of insecticide to prevent EAB sitoid Tetrastichus planipennsi (Eulophidae), infestation if there are known infestations and a larval ectoparasitoid Spathius agrili within 15 miles. Control methods include soil (Braconidae). Two new species of larval para- applied systemic insecticides, trunk injected sitoids were recovered in the Russian Far East/ systemic insecticides, noninvasive basal trunk Korea: Spathius sp. and Atanycolus sp. sprays, and protective cover sprays on the The 3 parasitoids from China were ap- leaves, branches and trunk. Most insecticides proved for release in the US in 2007. Major re- that are currently registered for EAB control leases were made in MI, MD, IN, OH, and IL in must be applied every year. 2008–2010. Parasitoids of emerald ash borer. Left to right: Oobius agrili, Tetrastichus planipennsi, and Spathius agrili. Images: http://www.forestryimages.org FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Reardon, Program Manager Biological Control USDA Forest Service 180 Canfield Street Morgantown, WV 26505 Phone: 304-285-1566 Fax: 304-285-1564 E-mail: [email protected].