EMERALD ASH BORER has been found in several surrounding states, but has NOT been found in Delaware to date. An article appeared in the 6/20/15 Wilmington News Journal regarding trapping efforts and preparedness for the detection of the invasive emerald ash borer in the state: http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2015/06/19/firewood-carries-unwanted-travelers/289815.... This is one of many cooperative efforts in Delaware between Delaware Department of Agriculture, USDA, University of Delaware, and many municipalities. Traps are specifically designed to attract and detect nearby emerald ash borer, which only feeds on ash, and another related tree, Chionanthus. A trap will not lessen the damage, those traps are only put out in certain locations in an attempt to detect low populations of the insect should it arrive in Delaware. If we detect very low numbers, we have a better chance of eradicating the pest. Ash, however, is attacked by numerous other insects (lilac/ash borers) and several plant disease causing organisms such as those causing anthracnose, rust, heart rot, ash yellows and ash decline. In Delaware, if you suspect you may have EAB in your ash trees, contact the Delaware Dept of Ag's Plant Industries Section at (302) 698-4586.
Keeping ash trees free of insect pests, woodpecker damage and plant diseases is best done by keeping trees healthy and reducing stress on trees. Water during times of drought, have trees pruned by a reputable company if there is significant dieback of branches, and avoid wounding if possible.
NFG 6/23/2015
Tag: emerald ash borer
Fringe Tree Possible Host for Emerald Ash Borer
On October 14, 2014, the USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory (SEL) at the Smithsonian confirmed partial adult and larval specimens recovered from a white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) as emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire). EAB larvae and a partial adult specimen were collected from four white fringetrees up to 20 miles from one another in the Dayton, OH area. D-shaped exit holes and fully developed galleries in wood were identical to those caused by EAB.
Based on these findings, APHIS PPQ is conducting studies whether EAB is able to complete its lifecycle on white fringetree as a host, which will take several months. APHIS is also revisiting research on whether other members of the Olive family can serve as hosts of EAB and whether this is a local phenomenon. APHIS will engage national, state, and industry partners as part of the regulatory decision making process should APHIS officially declare white fringetree as an EAB host and the plant and its parts as regulated articles under the regulations, quarantine, and detection aspects of the EAB program.
White fringetree is in the olive family, as is the genus Fraxinus (ash). Other members of the olive family, including lilac and privet, were tested, and are not considered suitable hosts for EAB. Further study and evaluation of white fringetree’s suitability as a host will be undertaken. White fringetree is native to the United States and grows wild from New Jersey south to Florida and west to Oklahoma and Texas. It is a popular ornamental tree that has been planted in other parts of the country.
10/23/14 NFG