Project Number: 1926-22000-020-04
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jul 01, 2007
End Date: Jun 30, 2008

Objective:
(1) Conduct explorations for natural enemies of the emerald ash borer in Russian Far East. (2) Conduct field studies of their impact on the target pests. (3) Study efficacy on different ash species in controlled experiment. (4) Ship natural enemies of emerald ash borer to USDA quarantine facility in U.S.

Approach:
Investigate natural enemies of emerald ash borer in Russia: choose suitable investigation areas, inventory biotic agents attacking target pest, assess role in population dynamics of pest, set priorities for importation, and ship promising species to Newark for further study. Conduct extensive preliminary survey to establish range of target pest in Russia. Monitor selected sites intensively to determine role of natural enemies in population dynamics. Conduct field experiment to compare impact of emerald ash borer and its natural enemies on selected Asian and North American species of ash. Hand carry or ship by air freight, natural enemies to U.S.