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Proposed Release of Three Parasitoids for the Biological Control of Emerald Ash Borer in the Continental United States

Reference Type
Other (Miscellaneous)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant HealthInspection Service (APHIS) and Forest Service (FS) are proposing torelease three insect parasitoid species for the biological control(biocontrol) of the nonindigenous emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilusplanipennis). This environmental assessment (EA) has been prepared,consistent with USDA, APHIS' National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA) implementing procedures (Title 7 of the Code of FederalRegulations (CFR), part 372). It examines the potential effects on thequality of the human environment that may be associated with the releaseof these biocontrol agents to control infestations of EAB within thecontinental United States. This EA considers the potential effects of theproposed action and its alternatives, including no action.

The EAB is an invasive wood-boring beetle from Asia threatening North America’s ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). It was introduced into the Detroit, Michigan area, probably sometime in the 1990s, and was identified as the cause of ash mortality in the area in 2002 (Haack et al., 2002). EAB larvae feed on ash phloem, cutting off the movement of resources within the tree and killing the tree in 4-5 years. EAB is now considered established in natural ecosystems throughout the lower peninsula of Michigan and contiguous areas of Ohio, Indiana, and Ontario, Canada. Separate infestations have been found in the upper peninsula of Michigan, in Illinois, and in Maryland. EAB appears well suited for climatic conditions in North America and destroys entire stands of ash. It is predicted that EAB will continue to disperse along various continuous corridors of ash now present in natural and urban environments due to the widespread use of ash as a landscape tree.

[from publication introduction]

Authors
J. Gould
Date Published
July 2007
Publisher
USDA APHIS
Publisher Location
Otis Pest Survey, Detection, and Exclusion Laboratory, Building 1398, Otis ANGB, MA 02542-5008
Pages
62
Sub-Topics
Insects, Invasive Species
State(s)/Region(s)
National
Indexed By
Other
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