Emerald Ash Borer
Adult Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire)
The Facts
Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic beetle from Asia that attacks ash trees. It has been found in Prince George's and Charles Counties, Maryland. It has killed many millions of ash trees in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. The Maryland Department of Agriculture needs your help in locating possible infested ash trees and stopping the movement of the emerald ash borer into other areas
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If you suspect that you have an infested ash tree with symptoms, please call our phone consultants at 1-800-342-2507 (410-342-2507 in Washington, D.C.) for further assistance Monday - Friday, 8AM - 1PM. You can also send your contact information to the Maryland Department of Agriculture via this electronic form any time.
Prince George's County, MD and Charles County, MD are currently under a quarantine for this pest.
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Have you seen purple traps in your neighborhood? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Q. What do the EAB traps look like?
A. The trap is a three-dimensional triangle or prism. It’s made out of thin, corrugated, purple plastic that has been coated with non-toxic glue on all three sides. The purple prisms are about 24 inches long and hang vertically in an ash tree or are secured to the trunk of a tree. To increase the attractiveness of the trap to the beetles, it is baited with a lure (Manuka oil).
Q. Why is the color purple significant and what is the lure?
A. For many insects, color frequently plays an important role, and EAB is no exception. Scientists found that buprestids (the insect family to which EAB belongs) in general are more attracted to red and purple hues compared to other colors. Researchers initiated a study using a variety of red and purple traps to determine which trap attracted the most beetles; the purple trap achieved the best results. To improve the purple traps’ attractiveness to EAB adults, they are baited with oil from the Manuka tree. Researchers found that there are four active compounds in Manuka oil that are also produced when an ash tree is stressed. Researchers also discovered there was an EAB antennal response to these compounds. In field tests when baited traps and non-baited traps were compared, traps baited with Manuka oil attracted more beetles than traps that were not baited.
Q. If a purple trap is in my area, does that mean EAB is there?
A. Purple traps help detect EAB. A trap located in your community does not mean EAB is present; it means we are looking for the beetle. The goals of the 2008 EAB Survey are to define the leading edge of the infested area and to locate new outlying EAB infestations.
Q. Why are the purple traps only placed in ash trees?
A. Ash trees are the only host species for EAB. The lifecycle of EAB is dependent upon the ash tree; the adults feed on the leaves, lay eggs in its crevices, and the larvae develop under its bark. All ashes (green, white, black, etc.) are EAB hosts.
Q. How long will the traps be in place?
A. The purple traps will be placed in ash trees beginning in June 2008. The traps will be monitored and remain in place throughout the summer during the beetles’ flight season and will be removed in the fall.
Q. Is the purple trap safe?
A. The purple traps pose no risk to humans, pets, or wildlife; however, the non-toxic glue can be extremely sticky and messy if touched.
Q. What should I do if I see a purple trap on the ground?
A. In Maryland, if you see one on the ground or damaged, please call the Home and Garden Information Center at 1-800-342-2507.
Q. How does the purple trap work?
A. During EAB adult emergence, beetles fly around ash trees, nibbling on leaves and looking for a mate. If an EAB lands on a purple trap, it will get stuck in the glue. In the fall, crews will return to trap sites to collect samples and remove the traps.
Q. What happens when an EAB is found on a purple trap?
A. The insect samples collected from the traps will be cleaned and sent to a USDA identifier for verification. All verifications of EAB will be communicated to the appropriate State plant regulatory official.
Adapted from APHIS Factsheet, April 2008
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/plant_health/content/printable_version/faq_eab_08.pdf
For more information on the 2008 National EAB Survey, please visit www.purpleeabsurvey.info
Photos taken in Howard County, MD
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For help determining if you have an ash tree, please use the following links:
Symptoms of an ash borer infestation include:
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Infested ash trees showing branch dieback and water sprouts. |
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Cracks in the bark. Galleries may or may not be visible. |
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Larval galleries under the bark. |
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D-shaped exit hole is approximately 1/4 inch. Holes from other borers are 3/8 inch or larger and round or oval. |
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Adult beetle on penny for size comparison. |
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Various stages of larvae. Mature larvae are approximately 1 1/4 inches. |
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Excellent Links to Emerald Ash Borer Information
Image Credits from top to bottom:
David Cappaert, www.forestryimages.org - UGA9000019
David Cappaert, , www.forestryimages.org - UGA1460076
Joseph O'Brien, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org - UGA1301046
James W. Smith, USDA APHIS PPQ, www.forestryimages.org - UGA1460032
David R. McKay, USDA APHIS PPQ, www.forestryimages.org - UGA1439002
Lexa Panessidi, State of Michigan, www.forestryimages.org - UGA1241011
David Cappaert, www.forestryimages.org - UGA1460072
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