ERMUSR MISC 02-20-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Prepare for an Ash Tree invasion Worse Than Dutch Blm Disease - by Roy Carter, Certified Arborist, Tree Trimming Department Head, Hooper Corporation The emerald ash borer (EAB), an exotic insect pest, has already killed over 15 million ash trees in the Great Lakes Region since 2002 and is on the move. Although the pest has not been detected in Wisconsin, a confirmed existence was recently found 60 miles From the state border in Illinois. The nat- ural spread of the invasive species is only about a half mile per year. However, humans are playing a role in the rapid spread. "Since EAB was first identified in Detroit, most of the three dozen or so new infesta- tions found outside the metro area have likely hitchhiked in on firewood," states Jane Cum- mings Carlson, forest health coordinator with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Emerald ash borer, a native of Asia, belongs to a group of insects known as the metallic wood-boring beetles. The adult insects are metallic green in color and are mainly found in the summer months feeding on the foliage surrounding ash trees. Typically adult beetles appear in late May or June, mate, lay eggs within the tree bark, and die in August. The life cycle continues when the eggs hatch into larvae, which feed under the bark of the tree. This causes a decrease in the flow of water and nutrients to the tree's crown. Once invaded, the ash tree starves to death within one to four years. EAB is an extreme threat to Wisconsin's natural forests and landscape. Ash trees are com- monly found in both urban and rural settings throughout the state. Recent data has estimated that Wisconsin has 717 million ash trees. The pest does not dis- criminate against the different types of ash trees in the state, putting all of them at risk. S!~~.. c. t Fortunately, both Wisconsin and Illinois have decided to put up a major fight against EAB. Federal funds are avail- able for the Department of Agriculture and other govern- ment agencies to use in the campaign. "In states where EAB has been detected, con- tainment and eradication efforts are proving to be extremely difficult and expen- sive. Keeping an area free from infestation could be eas- ier and is certainly more eco- nomical in the long run," said Cummings Carlson. Based on this experience, Wisconsin has already taken major steps towards prevention of the invasion. In 2006, the state prohibited out-of-state campers from bringing fire- wood across the state border. While prevention strategies are the first line of defense, researchers are working hard to come up with potential treatment strategies. Chemical treatment options, such as insecticides, are avail- able that focus on individual trees and can be very effective. All of the current insecticide treatments must be applied before the tree is infected to receive maximum efficacy and require application at least once per year. Currently it is not rec- ommended for homeowners to perform preventive maintenance on their ash trees until there is a known infestation in the area. Efforts are also being exerted on detection of EAB, which many feel is the key to contain- ment. Resources are being put towards public education explaining the signs and symp- toms of an invaded ash tree and the appearance of the insect to aid in the detection of a new invasion. At its current rate of move- ment, EAB will affect everyone. Due to heightened awareness and concern, new research and information about EAB is being published on a daily basis. ^ For more up-to-date information, please log onto www.dnrstate.wi.us 'and search for emerald ash borer. ABOVE: Aclose-up view of the the Emerald Ash Borer. The inseci is approximately 1/2 inch in length.