New Pheromone Traps Lure Asian Longhorned Beetles out of Hiding

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US FOREST SERVICE NORTHERN RESEARCH STATION REFERENCES AND RESOURCES Websites: U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station: www.nrs.fs.fed.us/disturbance/invasive_species/alb Research ReviewNO. 15 | WINTER 2012 USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service www.beetlebusters.info www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/2012/01/alb_ohio.shtml Ohio: www.dnr.state.oh.us/DNN/health/asianlonghorned/tabid/5197/Default.aspx Massachusetts: www.massnrc.org/pests/alb Invasive pests of the Northeast: www.ecolandscaping.org/05/trees/invasive-pests-coming-soon-to-a-tree-near-you Identification of the ALB: www.uvm.edu/albeetle/index.html New Pheromone Traps Lure References: Asian Longhorned Beetles Dodds, K.J.; Orwig, D.A. 2011. An invasive urban forest pest invades natural environments: Asian longhorned beetle in northeastern US hardwood forests. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 41(9): 1729-1742. Out of Hiding

Haack, R.A.; Herard, F.; Sun, J.; Turgeon, J.J. 2010. Managing invasive populations of Asian The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is one infamous insect these days. When it shows up, the media go longhorned beetle and citrus longhorned beetle: A worldwide perspective. Annual Review crazy, wanted posters go up on busses and billboards, and many people get very, very worried. For this of Entomology. 55: 521-546. beetle is capable of killing healthy trees and has the potential to cause major ecosystem changes—if Haack, R.A.; Petrice, T.R. 2009. Bark- and wood-borer colonization of logs and lumber after allowed to get out of control in the forests of North America. Maples, iconic trees for fall color in the heat treatment to ISPM 15 specifications: The role of residual bark. Journal of Economic Entomology. 102: 1075-1985. Northeast, Midwest, and Canada, are its preferred larval host, but the ALB is known to develop in and destroy as many as 23 species of deciduous trees. In our cities, 35 percent of urban trees are at risk. Haack, R.A.; Petrice, T.R.; Wiedenhoeft, A.C. 2010. Incidence of bark- and wood-boring insects in firewood: a survey at Michigan’s Mackinac Bridge. Journal of Economic Entomology. ALB has no known natural enemies and the only registered pesticide treatment (soil drench or injection 103: 1682-1692. of imidacloprid) must be done by a registered pesticide applicator under supervision of the eradication Nehme, M.E.; Keena, M.A.; Zhang, A.; Baker, T.C.; Xu, Z.; Hoover, K. 2010. Evaluating the use of program. The only effective way to kill the larvae is to chip infested material into tiny pieces. So, urban male-produced pheromone components and plant volatiles in two trap designs to monitor foresters, entomologists, natural resources managers, and homeowners’ associations are all part of a Anoplophora glabripennis. Environmental Entomology. 39(1): 169-176. campaign to eradicate the ALB in North America. Indeed, many who work professionally on the ALB problem Nehme, M.E.; Keena, M.A.; Zhang, A.; Baker, T.C.; Hoover, K. 2009. Attraction of Anoplophora call themselves “Beetlebusters”! glabripennis to male-produced phermone and plant volatiles. Environmental Entomology. 38(6): 1745-1755. Where did this beetle come from? The ALB was originally a very ordinary resident of the forests of China and Korea. But when susceptible poplars and willows were planted in fields and along canals, roads, and city streets in China, the beetles left their forest homes and started breeding in these plantations and windbreaks. Outbreaks were first noticed in China in the 1980s. Because the larvae chew big tunnels in wood, the trees were no longer useful for building or for making furniture, and so the lumber was often made into pallets and crates for shipping goods around the world. In this manner, ALB larvae were likely shipped around the world, with many arriving in factories and warehouses in North America and Europe. They emerged and some were able to establish in nearby trees and often live unnoticed near ports and industrial areas, sometimes for many years.

ALB INFESTATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA Then, in 1996, the first North American infestation (an ALB population living and reproducing outdoors) was discovered in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn and another in Amityville on Long Island. Since then infestations have been found in the Islip area of Long Island, in Queens, and in Manhattan, including Central Park. Two years later, the ALB was discovered in Chicago, IL. In 2002, an ALB infestation was detected in Hudson County, NJ, and in central New Jersey (Middlesex and Union counties).

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Installing an ALB trap in a neighborhood cleared of ALB trees Photo by Melody Keena, U.S. Forest Service 5 1 continued from page one Melody Keena, U.S. Forest Service

If the Asian longhorned beetle continues to spread outside Worcester, the abundance of maples could provide a pathway for its dispersal throughout New England and other parts of eastern North America. David A. Orwig, ecologist Harvard University/Harvard Forest

Introduction site in Worchester, MA.

In 2008, a serious infestation was discovered in Worcester, MA. By late The first responders to a reported ALB sighting are state authorities and the 2011, more than 30,000 trees were removed and chipped. Evidence USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). They identify indicates that the infestation may date back as far as 1997. Inspection the beetle, survey the neighborhood, and begin cutting down infested trees; of host trees within the 110-mi2 quarantine area has revealed about they also impose a state and federal quarantine on moving potentially 20,000 infested trees so far and that the ALBs are capable of moving into infested host materials. Specially trained tree climbers and ground crews forest blocks. In 2010, six infested trees were found in the Jamaica Plain with binoculars then spread out, looking for trees with exit holes, oviposition neighborhood of Boston, MA, right across the street from the Arnold sites, or the beetles themselves. But finding trees infested with ALBs out Arboretum, the oldest arboretum in America. In 2011, another infestation there in streets, yards, parks, and woodlots is a little like finding the needle of ALB was found in the southwestern Ohio village of Bethel. In addition, in the haystack. It takes considerable time and money and can still miss ALB has been discovered in southern Ontario, Canada, and in France, some of the infested trees. For many years, Beetlebusters have been heard to Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and Germany. Alert workers have uncovered mutter something to the effect of “If only we had a trap!” Well, now they do. and reported ALBs in warehouses in 15 states and several provinces of Canada. Melody Keena, U.S. Forest Service

BEETLES FIRST REPORTED BY ALERT PUBLIC Adult ALBs can be seen from late spring to fall, depending on the climate. They are hard to detect because they spend most of the year as larvae inside the tree, and as adults they often feed on the foliage of their “natal” Other NRS scientists have been involved in other aspects Nationwide, a major publicity campaign urges people: tree or nearby host trees. They like to re-infest these natal trees until the of the ALB campaign. Robert A. Haack has examined DON’T MOVE FIREWOOD. Firewood could be a factor trees die, after which they fly out to seek new homes. The ALB adults international transport of ALB in wood pallets and crating. in movement of the ALB and has proven to be a major are big (1 to 1.5 inches long); have long, striped antennae as His work has been used by the United Nations Food and vector in the movement of the emerald ash borer (EAB). long as (females) or longer than (males) their bodies; and Agriculture Organization’s Commission on Phytosanitary This other beetle, the EAB, is the focus of research by are black with white spots and may appear Measures to refine mandatory standards for treatment NRS entomologists Therese Poland and Leah Bauer, who to have bluish feet. In all situations, of solid wood packing material used in international are working on methods to detect the EAB. These include the beetles have been reported by trade. These treatment standards were first adopted in the purple “Barney” trap (seen along roadways and in members of the public who notice 2002, and have been revised in 2006 and 2009. Haack parks in many eastern states this past summer); studying the adults or their almost-dime-sized notes that the incidence of live insects in these materials the use of the pesticide imidacloprid and others to protect round exit holes in their trees. Installed trap. has been lowered by compliance with regulations, but trees from both beetles; and releasing natural enemies of occasional live insects are still found. EAB from China to reduce EAB numbers.

2 3 4 Melody Keena, U.S. Forest Service Melody Keena, U.S. Forest Service

Maple trunk covered with oviposition pits. Melody Keena, U.S. Forest Service

Maya Nehme, Penn State University, checking a trap.

NORTHERN RESEARCH STATION AND PENN STATE SCIENTISTS DEVELOP TRAP Entomologists from the U.S. Forest Service’s Northern Research Station (NRS) and Pennsylvania State University have developed a pheromone trap that lures those ALBs out of hiding. Although it is not a treatment that can kill lots of beetles, this new trap is a major step forward in being able to detect the beetle. It may be used for finding outliers and hidden infestations in quarantine zones and standing sentry in high-risk areas.

These traps, developed through a collaborative effort between NRS entomologist Quarantine test showing ALB female “sniffing” out male Melody Keena and Kelli Hoover and Maya Nehme from Penn State, are now being pheromone; note that each antenna is in a different tube.

tested in the field in the Worcester, MA, infestation. They have tested various Melody Keena, U.S. Forest Service combinations of green maple leaf volatiles and the male ALB pheromone identified in 2002 by Aijun Zhang of the USDA Agriculture Research Service in Beltsville, MD. Various combinations of volatiles and male pheromone were first tested for 2 years in China and now for 3 years in Massachusetts. In 2011, 500 traps in Other NRS scientists have been involved in other aspects Nationwide, a major publicity campaign urges people: strategically laid-out “traplines” designed by NRS ecologist Talbot Trotter were of the ALB campaign. Robert A. Haack has examined DON’T MOVE FIREWOOD. Firewood could be a factor set out in five central Massachusetts towns (Worcester, West Boylston, Boylston, international transport of ALB in wood pallets and crating. in movement of the ALB and has proven to be a major Shrewsbury, and Holden). In all 3 years, the traps have caught beetles and His work has been used by the United Nations Food and vector in the movement of the emerald ash borer (EAB). additional infested trees have been found after survey of areas near the traps. Agriculture Organization’s Commission on Phytosanitary This other beetle, the EAB, is the focus of research by Measures to refine mandatory standards for treatment NRS entomologists Therese Poland and Leah Bauer, who This new ALB baited trap is a major step forward in the campaign to eradicate this of solid wood packing material used in international are working on methods to detect the EAB. These include beetle in North America. The infestation in Chicago, and one county in New Jersey, trade. These treatment standards were first adopted in the purple “Barney” trap (seen along roadways and in and the town of Islip in New York are considered eradicated, and the various 2002, and have been revised in 2006 and 2009. Haack parks in many eastern states this past summer); studying New York infestations are getting close. Meanwhile, the Beetlebusters are busy, notes that the incidence of live insects in these materials the use of the pesticide imidacloprid and others to protect working to protect new trees in each affected state (eradication programs are still in has been lowered by compliance with regulations, but trees from both beetles; and releasing natural enemies of Branch with exit hole. operation in NJ, NY, MA, and OH). occasional live insects are still found. EAB from China to reduce EAB numbers.

2 3 4 Melody Keena studied at the Entomology Department of the University of California at Davis, receiving her B.S. in 1983, her M.S. in 1985, and her Ph.D. in 1988. She is active in the Entomological Society of America (ESA) and has held many positions. She has been president of an ESA section and is currently that section’s representative to the ESA governing board. She joined the Northern Research Station in 1992 and has worked extensively in the NRS Ansonia Quarantine Facility studying the biology and life habits of many potentially destructive invasive insects such as the Asian gypsy moth, the nun moth, and the Asian longhorned beetle. Keena is currently working on developing laboratory rearing methods for the emerald ash borer (EAB) and on evaluating a Chinese predator of the hemlock woolly adelgid.

R. Talbott Trotter III comes to NRS from Northern Arizona University, where he received his M.S. in 2000 and his Ph.D. in ecology in 2004; his B.S. is from the University of Arizona. In addition to serving as a research ecologist for the Northern Research Station, he is an associate researcher at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, both from 2005 to the present. Currently, his studies focus on the spatial and temporal impacts of invasive species on the ecology and species diversity of eastern forests, especially on the potential impact of adelgid management on arthropod communities. He is also working with Keena on the detection and evaluation of spread of the Asian longhorned beetle.

Other NRS scientists have been involved in other aspects Nationwide, a major publicity campaign urges people: of the ALB campaign. Robert A. Haack has examined DON’T MOVE FIREWOOD. Firewood could be a factor international transport of ALB in wood pallets and crating. in movement of the ALB and has proven to be a major His work has been used by the United Nations Food and vector in the movement of the emerald ash borer (EAB). Agriculture Organization’s Commission on Phytosanitary This other beetle, the EAB, is the focus of research by Measures to refine mandatory standards for treatment NRS entomologists Therese Poland and Leah Bauer, who of solid wood packing material used in international are working on methods to detect the EAB. These include trade. These treatment standards were first adopted in the purple “Barney” trap (seen along roadways and in 2002, and have been revised in 2006 and 2009. Haack parks in many eastern states this past summer); studying notes that the incidence of live insects in these materials the use of the pesticide imidacloprid and others to protect has been lowered by compliance with regulations, but trees from both beetles; and releasing natural enemies of occasional live insects are still found. EAB from China to reduce EAB numbers.

2 3 4 US FOREST SERVICE NORTHERN RESEARCH STATION REFERENCES AND RESOURCES Websites: U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station: www.nrs.fs.fed.us/disturbance/invasive_species/alb Research ReviewNO. 15 | WINTER 2012 USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service www.beetlebusters.info www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/2012/01/alb_ohio.shtml Ohio: www.dnr.state.oh.us/DNN/health/asianlonghorned/tabid/5197/Default.aspx Massachusetts: www.massnrc.org/pests/alb Invasive pests of the Northeast: www.ecolandscaping.org/05/trees/invasive-pests-coming-soon-to-a-tree-near-you Identification of the ALB: www.uvm.edu/albeetle/index.html

SPOT IT? REPORT IT! — If you think you’ve found an Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) or signs of infestation, record the area where the specimen was found. If you can, capture any insects you think are ALB, place them in a jar, and freeze them — this will preserve them for easy identification. Take digital pictures of the insect and damage to your trees in case officials request them. Report your findings online @ www.beetlebusters.info or call 1-866-702-9938.

You can also contact your State’s Cooperative ALB Eradication Program directly at the numbers listed below: In Massachusetts, call (508) 852-8090 or (866) 702-9938 In New York, call (866) 265-0301 or 877-STOP-ALB In New Jersey, call (732) 815-4700 or (866) 233-8531 In Ohio, call (866) 702-9938 or (855) 252-6450

5 1 US FOREST SERVICE NORTHERN RESEARCH STATION REFERENCES AND RESOURCES Websites: U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station: www.nrs.fs.fed.us/disturbance/invasive_species/alb ReviewNO. 15 | WINTER 2012 359 Main Road U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Research Review #2, Emerald Ash Borer: Delaware, OH 43015 www.nrs.fs.fed.us/news/review-vol02.pdf USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service www.beetlebusters.info www.aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/ALB.shtml Ohio: www.dnr.state.oh.us/health/asianlonghorned/tabid/5197/Default.aspx Massachusetts (with excellent list of links): www.massnrc.org/pests/alb Invasive pests of the Northeast: www.ecolandscaping.org/05/trees/invasive-pests-coming-soon-to-a-tree-near-you Identification of the ALB: www.uvm.edu/albeetle/index.html

References: Dodds, K.J.; Orwig, D.A. 2011. An invasive urban forest pest invades natural environments: Asian longhorned beetle in northeastern US hardwood forests. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 41(9): 1729-1742. Haack, R.A.; Herard, F.; Sun, J.; Turgeon, J.J. 2010. Managing invasive populations of Asian longhorned beetle and citrus longhorned beetle: A worldwide perspective. Annual Review of Entomology. 55: 521-546. Haack, R.A.; Petrice, T.R. 2009. Bark- and wood-borer colonization of logs and lumber after heat treatment to ISPM 15 specifications: The role of residual bark. Journal of Economic Entomology. 102: 1075-1985. Haack, R.A.; Petrice, T.R.; Wiedenhoeft, A.C. 2010. Incidence of bark- and wood-boring insects in firewood: a survey at Michigan’s Mackinac Bridge. Journal of Economic Entomology. 103: 1682-1692. Contact the Northern Research Station Nehme, M.E.; Keena, M.A.; Zhang, A.; Baker, T.C.; Xu, Z.; Hoover, K. 2010. Evaluating the use of www.nrs.fs.fed.us male-produced pheromone components and plant volatiles in two trap designs to monitor Anoplophora glabripennis. Environmental Entomology. 39(1): 169-176. Nehme, M.E.; Keena, M.A.; Zhang, A.; Baker, T.C.; Hoover, K. 2009. Attraction of Anoplophora Michael T. Rains Rebecca G. Nisley For additional copies or to be put on the mailing glabripennis to male-produced phermone and plant volatiles. Environmental Entomology. Station Director Writer and Editor list, email [email protected] or call 740-368-0123. 38(6): 1745-1755. 11 Campus Boulevard #200 203-230-4338 Zhang, A.; Oliver, J.E.; Aldrich, J.R. Aggregation pheromone for the Asian longhorned beetle, Newtown Square, PA 19073 [email protected] Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). U.S Government Patent Serial No. 610-577-4017 09/347,907, D.N. 0227.99. Field July 7, 1999. [email protected]

NRS Research Review is published quarterly by the Our research themes are (1) Forest Disturbance Processes, (2) Urban Communications and Science Delivery Group of the Northern Research Natural Resources Stewardship, (3) Sustaining Forests, (4) Providing Station (NRS), U.S. Forest Service. As part of the nation’s largest forestry Clean Air and Water, and (5) Natural Resources Inventory and research organization, NRS serves the Northeast and Midwest and beyond, Monitoring. providing the latest research on current problems and issues affecting forests There are 135 NRS scientists working at 20 field offices, 24 and the people who depend on them. experimental forests, and universities located across 20 states, from Maine to Maryland, Missouri to Minnesota.

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