Invasive Emerald Ash Borer Research Articles

Trade‐offs in parasitism efficiency and brood size mediate parasitoid coexistence, with implications for biological control of the invasive emerald ash borer

Summary Parasitoids often are selected for use as biological control agents because of their high host specificity, yet such host specificity can result in strong interspecific competition. Few studies have examined whether and how various extrinsic factors (such as parasitism efficiency, i.e. the ability to optimize host‐finding attack rates) influence the outcome of competition between parasitoids, even though they could have profound effects on the implementation of classical biological control programmes. To determine the potential influence of extrinsic competition and coexistence on host suppression efficacy, we compared parasitism by two larval parasitoids (Tetrastichus planipennisi and Spathius galinae) of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) Agrilus planipennis, under different host densities, parasitoid densities, host plant sizes and parasitoid–host ratios. Spathius galinae had significantly higher parasitism efficiency (≈4 times), but significantly lower brood size (>6 times) than that of T. planipennisi. The attack rates of hosts increased significantly with parasitoid density, whereas host density did not significantly affect multiparasitism. The parasitism rate of T. planipennisi on small host logs was significantly higher than that on large logs, while host plant (log) size had no significant impact on S. galinae parasitism. The multiparasitism rate was rather low regardless of host log size and parasitoid/host density, indicating that intrinsic competition between the two species of parasitoids might seldom occur in the field. The two species of parasitoids could therefore coexist in the same habitat, and any adverse effects on the suppression of EAB populations caused by competitive behaviour between the two species of parasitoids would likely be negligible. Synthesis and applications. Our findings suggest that introducing multiple species of parasitic natural enemies could be feasible for management of invasive species, but it is important to examine multiple extrinsic factors simultaneously when evaluating interspecific competition between them. Among these different extrinsic factors, we found that coexistence between parasitoids can be mediated by trade‐offs in their parasitism efficiency and brood sizes. Thus, the differences in life‐history traits of natural enemies could be used to select among biological control agents being considered for releases.

Efficacy of Soil-Applied Neonicotinoid Insecticides for Long-term Protection Against Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae).

Protection of green ash trees (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall) from the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, by soil applications of neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, clothianidin, and dinotefuran) was tested at five locations between 2005 and 2013. Application rate and spring versus fall application dates were evaluated in tests with neighborhood street trees and in one plantation of 65 ash trees. Insecticide treatments of ash trees at all five sites were initiated as the leading edge of the EAB invasion began to kill the first ash trees at each location. Trees were treated and evaluated at each site for 4 to 7 yr. Spring applications of imidacloprid were more efficacious than fall applications. Application rates of 0.8 g a.i./cm dbh or greater per year gave a higher level of protection and were more consistent than rates of 0.56 g a.i./cm dbh per year or less. The number of years between the first observation of canopy loss due to EAB and death of most of the control trees varied from three to seven years among test sites, depending on how many non-treated ash trees were nearby.

Evaluation of the host specificity of Spathius galinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval parasitoid of the emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Northeast Asia

Host-specificity determination prior to the introduction of non-native natural enemies is a critical component of the risk assessment for modern classical biocontrol programs. In the present study, we assessed the host specificity of a newly described parasitoid, Spathius galinae Belokobylskij and Strazanac, which is native to Northeast Asia, for classical biocontrol of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, in North America. Along with foreign exploration for natural enemies of EAB in 2010 and 2012, we surveyed ash (Fraxinus spp.) wood-boring insects and their parasitoids from artificially stressed Oriental ash (F. rhynchophylla Hance) trees in natural forest stands in the Primorskiy Kray region of Russia. Once colonies of S. galinae were established in U.S. quarantine, we tested the parasitoid against 15 species or groups of North American wood-boring insects that were selected along a continuum from closely related taxa (e.g., Agrilus spp. in the family Buprestidae in Coleoptera) to distantly related ones in Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. While three of the tested insects, Neoclytus acuminatus Fabricius, Podosesia spp. and Hylesinus fraxini Panzer attack ash as their main host, the rest attack non-ash trees such as birch, maple and oak. Results from our field survey in Russia showed that S. galinae did not attack bark beetles (Hylesinus spp.) or longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) that coexisted with EAB on infested ash trees. In quarantine laboratory studies, S. galinae did not attack 14 species or groups of non-target wood-boring insects infesting both ash and/or non-ash trees such as birch, maple or red oak. The only non-target attack was on the goldspotted oak borer (GSOB), Agrilus auroguttatus Schaeffer, infesting red oak. The rate of parasitism on GSOB was significantly lower than on EAB under laboratory conditions that favored parasitism. These findings indicate that the host specificity of S. galinae is restricted within the host genus (Agrilus).

Ash regeneration capacity after emerald ash borer (EAB) outbreaks: Some early results

The emerald ash borer (EAB), a wood-boring beetle native of Asia, has killed millions of ash trees in North America since its detection in 2002. The rapid spread of the infestation and the widespread distribution and importance of ash in North America, coupled with the genus’ high vulnerability raise the crucial question of ash regeneration capacity following EAB infestation and its potentially broad ecological implications. We report on ash regeneration and infestation at the epicentre of the initial EAB invasion in Canada (near Windsor, Ontario). Up to 12 years after detection of the outbreak, we found abundant ash regeneration in the impacted area. However, the likelihood of these stems reaching maturity appears low. Dissection of a subsample of saplings allowed us to confirm the presence of an active residual EAB population, with infestation in 19% of regenerating stems (including stems as small as 2 cm in basal diameter). A vigorous regenerating ash cohort comprising a large portion of stump resprout...

Review of the emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), life history, mating behaviours, host plant selection, and host resistance

AbstractAs of summer 2014, the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB),Agrilus planipennisFairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), has become established in 24 states in the United States of America and has killed tens of millions of ash trees since its introduction into Michigan in the 1990s. Considerable research has been conducted on many aspects of EAB life history, natural history, ecology, and management strategies in an attempt to contain this devastating pest. In this article, we review the life history, mating behaviours, and host plant selection by EAB in North America as well as host resistance to EAB attack.

Sap flow of black ash in wetland forests of northern Minnesota, USA: Hydrologic implications of tree mortality due to emerald ash borer

Black ash (Fraxinus nigra) mortality caused by the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) is of concern to land managers in the upper Great Lakes region, given the large areas of ash-dominated forest and potential alteration of wetland hydrology following loss of this foundation tree species. The importance of changes in evapotranspiration (ET) following black ash mortality is currently unknown and is the focus of this study. Sap flux density rates were evaluated at three black ash stands with differing moisture regimes within the Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota, USA using the Granier thermal dissipation method. Sapwood area and sap flux density were combined to determine sap flow. Tree level sap flux density estimates were comparable to other reported values and averaged 4.59, 2.31, and 1.62m3m−2day−1, respectively, for the very wet, wet, and moderately wet field sites. However, black ash exhibited small sapwood area in general, resulting in lower overall sap flow values. Scaled stand-level transpiration followed a similar trend as the tree-level estimates; mean daily transpiration over 10 weeks was 1.62 (80% of PET), 1.15 (53% of PET), and 0.90 (42% of PET) mm for the very wet, wet, and moderately wet site, respectively. Sap flux density was positively related to vapor pressure deficit when soil moisture was at or near saturation and negatively related when soil moisture content was lower. There was also a significant positive relationship between sap flux density and relative soil moisture saturation at the stand scale. Our results indicate that hydrologic regime has substantial influence on sap flow with highest transpiration when soil moisture is at saturation, underscoring the unique ecological role that black ash plays in these wetland forest types. The effects of EAB-induced black ash mortality on overall ET and related hydrologic processes will likely be greatest in the wettest hydrologic regimes.

Evaluating short term simulations of a forest stand invaded by emerald ash borer

The invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis - EAB) is causing rapid and widespread ash (Fraxinus spp.) mortality in eastern North America, has established populations near Moscow, Russia, and is threatening ash resources in Europe. Given the prevalence of susceptible hosts these post-invasion forests will clearly differ from their pre-invasion counterparts. Understanding these changes is key to mitigating the impacts of invasion and developing sound management strategies. We evaluated short term changes in a forest stand invaded by EAB, and examined if the southern variant of the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) could accurately predict those changes. Through simulation, managers can gain a clearer understanding of how pest invasions impact and alter future forest dynamics. However, many simulators are designed to achieve long-term predictions and thus do not align with the short term changes associated with rapid EAB-induced ash mortality. Woody vegetation was surveyed in 2010 and used to project impacts of EAB invasion into 2012 by simulating a 50% ash mortality rate. The same plots were then re-surveyed in 2012, allowing us to evaluate: (1) changes in actual forest composition and structure; and (2) simulation accuracy. Within our forest stand, FVS accurately estimated short term changes in stem density and basal area parameters, thus demonstrating its value as a short-term simulator for EAB-induced changes within the southern region of the United States. EAB-induced ash mortality is quickly changing these forests and will ultimately alter how stakeholders manage their lands. We discuss the potential usefulness of FVS as a tool for aiding management decisions in response to EAB invasion.

Influence of host age on critical fitness parameters of Spathius galinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a new parasitoid of the emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae).

Spathius galinae Belokobylskij and Strazenac (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a recently discovered gregarious idiobiont larval ectoparasitoid currently being evaluated for biological control against the invasive emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in the United States. To aid in the development of laboratory rearing protocols, we assessed the influence of various emerald ash borer stages on critical fitness parameters of S. galinae. We exposed gravid S. galinae females to emerald ash borer host larvae of various ages (3.5, 5, 7, and 10 wk post egg oviposition) that were reared naturally in tropical (evergreen) ash (Fraxinus uhdei (Wenzig) Lingelsh) logs, or to field-collected, late-stage emerald ash borers (nonfeeding J-shaped larvae termed "J-larvae," prepupae, and pupae) that were artificially inserted into green ash logs. When exposed to larvae in tropical ash logs, S. galinae attacked 5 and 7 wk hosts more frequently (68-76%) than 3.5 wk (23%) and 10 wk (12%) hosts. Subsample dissections of the these logs revealed that 3.5, 5, 7 and 10 wk host logs contained mostly second, third, fourth, and J-larvae, respectively, that had already bored into the sapwood for diapause. No J-larvae were attacked by S. galinae when naturally reared in tropical ash logs. When parasitized by S. galinae, 7 and 10 wk hosts produced the largest broods (approximately 6.7 offspring per parasitized host), and the progenies that emerged from these logs had larger anatomical measurements and more female-biased sex ratios. When exposed to emerald ash borer J-larvae, prepupae, or pupae artificially inserted into green ash logs, S. galinae attacked 53% ofJ-larvae, but did not attack any prepupae or pupae. We conclude that large (fourth instar) emerald ash borer larvae should be used to rear S. galinae.

Water table response to harvesting and simulated emerald ash borer mortality in black ash wetlands in Minnesota, USA

Black ash wetlands are seriously threatened because of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB). Wetland hydrology is likely to be modified following ash mortality, but the magnitude of hydrological impact following loss via EAB and alternative mitigation harvests is not clear. Our objective was to assess the water table response to simulated EAB and harvesting to determine if management actions will be needed to maintain ecosystem functions following EAB infestation. We applied four replicated treatments to 1.6 ha plots as follows: (1) control, (2) girdling of all black ash trees to simulate loss via EAB mortality, (3) group selection harvests (20% of stand in 0.04 ha gaps), and (4) clear-cut harvest. Water table (WT) elevations were monitored for 1 year pre-treatment and two years post-treatment. Clear-cutting delayed WT drawdown in both years of the study, and the WT was significantly higher than the control treatment, predominantly when WT depth was below 30 cm. The effect of the group selection treatment on WT response was muted compared to clear-cutting and also limited to periods when the WT depth was below 30 cm. These responses were attributed to establishment of shallow-rooted vegetation in cut areas, which would have limited influence on WT dynamics as depth increased. There was little effect of girdling on the WT in the first year post-treatment, but effects on the WT were very similar to clear-cutting in the second year and more pronounced when the WT was within 30 cm of the soil surface. These effects were attributed to reduced transpiration coupled with the presence of a partial canopy following girdling, which would have reduced vegetation establishment and evaporation compared to clear-cutting. Given the large influence of WT depth on vegetation dynamics and associated feedbacks to altered hydrology, these early results indicate a greater risk of ecosystem alteration following EAB mortality compared to clear-cut harvesting. Depending on local hydrologic regime, variation in precipitation patterns, and time for complete canopy loss, it may be necessary for managers to implement active mitigation strategies (e.g., group selection coupled with planting of alternative species) prior to EAB infestation to maintain ecosystem processes in these forested wetland systems.

Condition of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) overstory and regeneration at three stages of the emerald ash borer invasion wave

Assessing emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) impacts in North American forests is essential for projecting future species composition of stands invaded by this phloem-feeding pest. We surveyed all species of overstory trees and regeneration in 2010 and 2011 in 24 forested sites with a major component of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), representing the Core, Crest, and Cusp of the A. planipennis invasion wave across southern Michigan. By 2011, an average of 78.6% ± 0.10%, 44.8% ± 0.11%, and 19.8% ± 0.07% of overstory ash trees representing 87%, 57%, and 14% of the total ash basal area had been killed in Core, Crest, and Cusp sites, respectively. Green ash seedlings, saplings, and recruits were abundant in all sites, but newly germinated ash seedlings were absent in Core sites and scarce in Crest sites. Canopy gaps resulting from current ash decline and mortality increased available photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and sapling growth in Crest sites, but PAR was low in Core and Cusp sites. Lateral ingrowth of non-ash overstory trees has largely filled canopy gaps in Core sites, and there was little evidence of green ash recruitment into the overstory. Green ash appears unlikely to persist as a dominant species in forests invaded by A. planipennis.

Indirect Effects of Emerald Ash Borer-Induced Ash Mortality and Canopy Gap Formation on Epigaeic Beetles

Exotic herbivorous insects have drastically and irreversibly altered forest structure and composition of North American forests. For example, emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) from Asia has caused wide-scale mortality of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in eastern United States and Canada. We studied the effects of forest changes resulting from emerald ash borer invasion on epigaeic or ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) along a gradient of ash dieback and gap sizes in southeastern Michigan. Ground beetles were sampled in hydric, mesic, and xeric habitats in which black (Fraxinus nigra Marshall), green (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall), and white (Fraxinus americana L.) ash were the most common species, respectively. During 2006-2007, we trapped 2,545 adult ground beetles comprising 52 species. There was a negative correlation between percent ash tree mortality in 2006 and catches of all beetles. Catches of Agonum melanarium Dejean (in 2006) and Pterostichus mutus (Say) (in 2006-2007) were negatively correlated with tree mortality and gap size, respectively. However, catches of Pterostichus corvinus Dejean were positively correlated with gap size in 2006. As ash mortality and average gap size increased from 2006 to 2007, catches of all beetles as well as P. mutus and Pterostichus stygicus (Say) increased (1.3-3.9 times), while species diversity decreased, especially in mesic and xeric stands. Cluster analysis revealed that beetle assemblages in hydric and mesic stand diverged (25 and 40%, respectively) in their composition from 2006 to 2007, and that hydric stands had the most unique beetle assemblages. Overall, epigaeic beetle assemblages were altered in ash stands impacted by emerald ash borer; however, these impacts may dissipate as canopy gaps close.

Dendrochronological reconstruction of the epicentre and early spread of emerald ash borer inNorthAmerica

AbstractAimEmerald ash borerAgrilus planipenniswas identified in 2002 as the cause of extensive ash (Fraxinusspp.) decline and mortality in Detroit, Michigan, and has since killed millions of ash trees in theUSand Canada. When discovered, it was not clear how long it had been present or at what location the invading colony started. We used dendrochronological methods to document the onset and progression of ash mortality and the spatio‐temporal dynamics of the invasion. Reconstructing the progression of ash mortality serves as a proxy to draw inferences about the colonization and spread of emerald ash borer in North America.LocationSoutheastern Michigan,USA.MethodsWe collected increment cores from dead, declining or non‐symptomatic ash trees on a systematic 4.8 × 4.8 or 2.4 × 2.4 km grid in 2004–2006. Geo‐referenced samples were cross‐dated to determine the earliest date emerald ash borer‐killed trees in each location. Interpolated dates of ash mortality were analysed to determine rates and patterns of emerald ash borer spread across the 1.5 million ha study area.ResultsWe identified a location in southeastern Michigan where ash trees were killed by emerald ash borer as early as 1997. Rates of ash mortality subsequently progressed at 3.84 km year−1from 1998 to 2001 and then increased to 12.97 km year−1from 2001 to 2003 as satellite colonies coalesced with the primary infestation. From 1998 to 2003, new satellites formed at a rate of 7.4 per year, with average jump distances of 24.5 km.Main conclusionsEmerald ash borer was likely established in southeastern Michigan by at least the early to mid‐1990s. Anthropogenic‐aided stratified dispersal and the coalescence of satellite colonies with the primary population resulted in biphasic range expansion, rapidly expanding the footprint of the invasion. Our reconstruction of the emerald ash borer invasion demonstrates this invaders’ remarkable capacity for population growth and spread.

Power Hours-Invasive Species Communication Through Collaborative Webinars

The collaborative webinar project Emerald Ash Borer University (EAB-U) was established in 2009 to address pressing communications needs regarding the invasive emerald ash borer in the midst of national financial crisis. The 40 EAB-U webinars to date have been viewed over 10,000 times. Results of a post-webinar survey evaluating audience composition, impact, and participant satisfaction are presented, and suggest EAB-U webinars reach key audiences who share and apply learned information. Extension professionals faced with complex issues such as invasive species should consider a collaborative webinar approach to efficiently communicate harmonized messages in a cost effective manner.

Genetic structure of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica): implications for the establishment ofex situconservation protocols in light of the invasion of the emerald ash borer

The USA is experiencing a prolific invasion of the wood-boring emerald ash borer,Agrilus planipennis. Native to Asia, this beetle completes its life cycle on ash trees and results in nearly complete mortality of all infested trees. In the present study, we examined the levels of genetic diversity and differentiation among eight populations ofFraxinus pennsylvanica(green ash) using five polymorphic microsatellite loci. Genetic information was used to design guidelines for the establishment of a seed collection sampling strategy to conserve the genetic diversity of ash trees. We found high levels of genetic diversity, as indicated by the allelic richness, both across the populations (16.4 ± 5.18 alleles per locus) and within them (8.03 ± 1.21 alleles per locus). The expected and observed heterozygosity was also high (0.805 ± 0.38 and 0.908 ± 0.04, respectively), and there was moderate genetic differentiation among the populations (FST= 0.083) with members of these eight populations grouped into three distinct clusters. We examined the relationship between the number of individuals sampled and the number of alleles captured in a random sample taken from a population of 10,000 individuals. Only sample sizes of 100 individuals captured most of the alleles (average = 78.74 alleles), but only seven of 50 samples effectively captured all the 82 alleles. Smaller samples did not capture all alleles. A probabilistic model was used to determine an optimal sampling strategy, and it was concluded that a collection of 200 seeds from each of five mother trees would have the highest likelihood of capturing all alleles in a population.

Divergence of the potential invasion range of emerald ash borer and its host distribution in North America under climate change

Climate change is likely to induce range divergence of invasive herbivore insects and native host trees given their different response rates to temperature increase. In this study we used the invasion of emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire), which is host-specific to ash (Fraxinus spp.), to demonstrate the significant implications of this climate change induced insect-host divergence for management of invasive species. The least constrained climatic limits of EAB were derived from its native range in East Asia, then projected to North America under the current and future climate conditions, and finally compared with the assumedly static ash distribution. Results suggest that the divergence between the invasion range of EAB and the distribution of ash in North America is likely to enlarge as climate change proceeds. In this case, many original ash stands could remain intact in the southern range, possibly forming refugia of the host species. The realization of this prediction, however, requires that the spread of EAB be reduced by continued management effort to allow climate change to take effect in time. Our study highlights the important role climate change has in the course of biological invasion and herbivore-host dynamics, which provides key information for continental scale pest risk prediction and strategic planning.

Native bark-foraging birds preferentially forage in infected ash (Fraxinus spp.) and prove effective predators of the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire)

Inadvertently introduced into North America in the 1990s, the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) has been spreading across the Great Lakes Region resulting in widespread ash tree (Fraxinus spp.) mortality. Native woodpeckers and other bark-foraging insectivores represent one of the few potential natural predators of EAB in the U.S. In this study, we combined observational and destructive tree harvesting approaches to assess bark-foraging bird predation on EAB larvae in a deciduous forest of central Ohio. Results of our observational study show that in an EAB impacted forest, bark-foraging birds forage more heavily on ash trees than non-ash trees, and that they forage preferentially on ash trees that exhibit canopy decline symptoms relative those with healthy canopies. These patterns were further supported by the destructive sampling of 46 ash trees wherein predation by bark-foragers significantly reduced tree-level EAB densities by upwards of 85%. Bark-foraging predation intensity increased with increased EAB infestation levels, with bark-foragers harvesting ∼45% of EAB in trees with thinning canopies compared to ∼22% in ash trees with healthy canopies. Woodpeckers harvest EAB in a density-dependent pattern that could contribute to population control. Despite bark-forager predation, EAB had a high likelihood of successfully emerging from the heavily infested ash trees (∼30% or 35 EAB per m2). Our results suggest that woodpeckers and other bark-foragers may use visual canopy decline, and perhaps other cues, to target ash trees with increased EAB densities. Moreover, our results provide insight into the indirect effects of invasive species on biotic interactions in forest ecosystems highlighting potential shifts in bark-foraging and other bird behaviors in response to a novel forest pest. Bark-foragers respond to EAB infestation and may thus potentially help regulate EAB populations and their spread in a mixed deciduous forest. We suggest that maintaining snags and nesting sites during and after forest pest outbreaks may enhance populations of bark-foraging bird species and, thus, their biological control of pest insects in temperate deciduous forests.

The mating and oviposition behavior of the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), with reference to the influence of host tree condition

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is an invasive wood-boring beetle first detected in North America in 2002. Relatively little is known about the factors affecting the mating and oviposition behavior of EAB, even though they could have implications for the management of this species. Consequently, we conducted field surveys in Michigan to observe the diurnal behavior of EAB adults, in addition to examining how their behaviors associated with reproduction varied in relation to the size and condition of host trees. We observed most EAB adults between 11:00 and 15:00, and this pattern was the same for both sexes and for all of the specific behaviors examined (feeding, flying, mating, resting, and walking). Regarding host tree size and crown condition, we consistently found that the most EAB eggs, adults, mating pairs, and ovipositing females were observed on intermediately stressed trees with 40–60 % crown reductions (likely resulting from earlier EAB infestations). Additionally, host tree crown condition appeared to be a more important factor than diameter at breast height. Our results therefore provide support to the hypothesis that host tree crown (stressing) condition influences EAB oviposition behavior. Determining which trees are likely to contain the most EAB eggs should help to guide efforts for releasing and promoting the establishment of parasitoids utilized in biologic control. However, future work should attempt to experimentally test the hypothesis that host tree condition (e.g., crown reduction) drives EAB oviposition behavior, and investigate the fitness implications of these host choices.

Dramatic expansion of the range of the invasive ash pest, buprestid beetle Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, 1888 (Coleoptera, Buprestidae) in European Russia

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, 1888) is a dangerous invasive pest of ashes. It was previously believed that in European Russia it occurs only in Moscow, Moscow Province, and in the eastern regions of Smolensk Province. An examination of ash trees in 12 cities of European Russia has revealed a much wider area of the emerald ash borer invasion. The pest was found in Konakovo (Tver Province), Tula, Kaluga, Orel, and Voronezh. We have found that A. planipennis damages not only Fraxinus pennsylvanica (an American species which is commonly planted in cities), but also the aborigine European ash Fraxinus excelsior. Ashes in the European forests and in the protective forest belts are badly endangered.

Effects of water availability on emerald ash borer larval performance and phloem phenolics of Manchurian and black ash

The invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle is a significant threat to the survival of North American ash. In previous work, we identified putative biochemical and molecular markers of constitutive EAB resistance in Manchurian ash, an Asian species co-evolved with EAB. Here, we employed high-throughput high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-MS) to characterize the induced response of soluble phloem phenolics to EAB attack in resistant Manchurian and susceptible black ash under conditions of either normal or low water availability, and the effects of water availability on larval performance. Total larval mass per tree was lower in Manchurian than in black ash. Low water increased larval numbers and mean larval mass overall, but more so in Manchurian ash. Low water did not affect levels of phenolics in either host species, but six phenolics decreased in response to EAB. In both ashes, pinoresinol A was induced by EAB, especially in Manchurian ash. Pinoresinol A and pinoresinol B were negatively correlated with each other in both species. The higher accumulation of pinoresinol A in Manchurian ash after attack may help explain the resistance of this species to EAB, but none of the responses measured here could explain increased larval performance in trees subjected to low water availability.

Emerald Ash Borer Invasion of North America: History, Biology, Ecology, Impacts, and Management

Since its accidental introduction from Asia, emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), has killed millions of ash trees in North America. As it continues to spread, it could functionally extirpate ash with devastating economic and ecological impacts. Little was known about EAB when it was first discovered in North America in 2002, but substantial advances in understanding of EAB biology, ecology, and management have occurred since. Ash species indigenous to China are generally resistant to EAB and may eventually provide resistance genes for introgression into North American species. EAB is characterized by stratified dispersal resulting from natural and human-assisted spread, and substantial effort has been devoted to the development of survey methods. Early eradication efforts were abandoned largely because of the difficulty of detecting and delineating infestations. Current management is focused on biological control, insecticide protection of high-value trees, and integrated efforts to slow ash mortality.