Emerald Ash Borer

Agrilus planipennis

Frank Hoehle

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.

While it is a small bug, its impact is huge

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

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

Actually the stage which kills tree Eggs hatch into larvae, which burrow

through bark into tree Consume Cambium and Phloem,

effectively girdling the tree

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

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

GREEN ASH BLACK ASH

WHITE ASH BLUE ASH

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

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)

If stumps are not removed eggs could still be under bark left

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

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.

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