Emerald Ash Borer

1. Emerald Ash Borer Agrilus planipennis Frank Hoehle

2. Introduction The emerald ash borer is an Asian beetle which was first detected in the US in Canton, Michigan, possibly being introduced here by overseas shipping container. Its mortality rate on healthy ash trees is very high, and the beetle has proven to be very hard to kill. Currently all ash trees in North America are in danger of dying from this infestation, and it is being compared in magnitude to Dutch Elm Disease or Chestnut Blight.

3. The Villan While it is a small bug, its impact is huge

4. Specifications of the Beetle • Dark Metallic Green • 1/3 of inch long • 1/16 inch wide • Body narrow and long • Head flat • Larvae approx 1 inch long, creamy white • Eggs, brown

5. Life Cycle

6. Eggs • Eggs are laid in crevasses in bark • Dark brown in color • Turn yellow brown prior to hatch • Are laid in groups from 75-300 • Eggs laid from May to Mid-July

7. Larvae • Actually the stage which kills tree • Eggs hatch into larvae, which burrow through bark into tree • Consume Cambium and Phloem, effectively girdling the tree

8. Adult Emerald Ash Borer • Emerges in may-July • Female lays numerous eggs in bark crevasses and between bark layers • 3-6 week life span • Eats ash leaves but doesn’t really affect tree health

9. What is Affected? • While everything in the genus Fraxinus is in danger (unlike other blights which have usually threatened single species) the Emerald Ash Borer prefers Green Ash and Black Ash trees. • White Ash is killed after Green and Black Ash trees are eliminated. • Blue Ash shows some resistance by forming callous tissue around EAB galleries, but usually succumbs eventually

10. Ash Trees Affected Green Ash Black Ash

11. More Affected Ash White Ash Blue Ash

12. Detection • First detected in Canton, Michigan in June 2002 • Brought in by overseas shipping container (suspected) • Now found in 14 states including Pennsylvania EAB Detection Box

13. Infestations

14. Control of Emerald Ash Borer • So far, attempts at control have ranged from: • Quarantine of affected wood products (they can still fly) • Application of Emamectin Benzoate insecticide (too costly for widespread use) • Direct cambial layer injections successful • Release of parasitic wasps (unknown possible consequences)(North American ash still succumb when planted in Asia, even with present parasitoid populations of these wasps)

15. How EAB Affects Trees

16. Even Stumps should be Removed If stumps are not removed eggs could still be under bark left

17. Sources • US Forest Service • www.emeraldashborer.info • www.entm.perdue.edu • ento.psu.edu

18. Is the end Near? • At the present time, the future looks bleak for the Ash population, as no effective strategy has been developed yet. Some companies selling remedies such as TREE-age, but unknown effectiveness over time.

19. What can you do? • Do not transport affected timber products out of your area • Use locally available firewood • Leave firewood at campsites..don’t take it home you cheapskate! • Treat infested trees if possible to kill EAB. • Consult local arborist or forester