2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To start evaluation of biological and chemical factors which will mitigate or eliminate the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, as a serious pest of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in Michigan and Ohio. To provide baseline data to support pending OH-MI EAB Funding Initiative. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) To establish an "common ash garden" composed of ash trees (Fraxinus spp. and strains) from various parts of the world and to begin evaluation of those trees the first two years for infestation by EAB and for mortality of the various ash cultivars. Trees of two sizes will be planted in the heavily infested area in Michigan, and will be monitored over several years to determine if new resistant ash varieties can be identified for use in the landscape. Base line data on the movement of insecticides in healthy and EAB infested trees will be started by taking branch samples at various times from treated trees and determining the presence of insecticides by gas chromatography at the USDA, Application Technology Research Unit at Wooster, Ohio. Information on the toxicity of imidacloprid to adult EAB during maturation feeding on treated ash will be obtained to establish the validity of this technique in Ohio eradication programs. Information on the biology and ecology of EAB and of its natural enemies in Korea will be obtained by a Korean cooperator working for MSU. 3.Progress Report This report documents research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and Michigan State University. Additional details of the research can be found in the report for the parent project 3607-22000-010-00D Management of Invasive Scarabs, Root Weevils, and Other Beetles of Quarantine Significance in Horticultural, Turf, and Nursery Crops. Ash trees at five heavily infested locations in Michigan were treated with a basal soil injection or a basal drench of imidacloprid. The objective was to determine if applying treatments over time (years) would improve the health of infested trees. A test treatment of spinosad, a reduced-risk insecticide, was aerial applied to several woodlots (8 to 30 acres in size) in an infested area of Michigan. Efficacy of these applications on EAB and their impact on non-target insects were assessed. Monitoring of this project was done by e-mail and a meeting. 4.Accomplishments None. 5.Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations None. 6.Technology Transfer Number of non-peer reviewed presentations and proceedings 3 Number of newspaper articles and other presentations for non-science audiences 3