News

$80 Billion in trade between US and European Union affected by Asian Longhorn Beetle and Pine Wood Nematode

Reuters has a brief article on new U.N. wood packing standards that will require debarked wood packing material entering the European Union, starting March 1st, to be heat treated or fumigated in order to prevent the spread of wood boring insects and other organisms such as the Asian Longhorned Beetle and Pine Wood Nematode. The U.S. government wants a year delay for the new standard and estimates that over $80 billion in trade with the European Union with be affected.

Counties in Ohio to be treated for Gypsy Moths

The Hillsboro Times-Gazette reports on two areas in Highland County which will be treated for Gypsy Moths in mid May. The article discusses two different control programs based on population levels. In areas of established Gypsy Moths, Ohio is treating with BT (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) while leading areas of new infestations are treated with pheromone flakes to disrupt mating. Other counties to be treated in Ohio include Defiance, Fayette, Franklin, Logan, Madison, Paulding, Pickaway, and Pike.

Michigan Offering Program to Remove Ash Trees at State Contract Prices

The Detroit Free Press reports on a plan, offered by the State of Michigan, allowing for local communities to pull together to hire tree removal services at state contract pricing. Several communities in Jackson County have already signed up, but the program is not without detractors who fear administrative and legal burdens for municipalties as well as prices that are too low for established tree service companies.

Ohio expands EAB Quarantine areas

Ohio Department of Agriculture announced the expansion of quarantine areas in Wood and Lucas counties to prevent the further spread of Emerald Ash Borer.

Carteret/Woodbridge New Jersey ALB Infestation is Unique

The Newark Star Ledger has reported that based on a DNA test,researchers at Cornell University determined the Asian Longhorned Beetle infestation in the Carteret, NJ area to be a separate introduction and not the result of beetles spreading from infestations in New York, NY and Jersey City, NJ.

Parasitic Wasps May Prove to be Beneficial in Control of Emerald Ash Borer

The Oakland Press has an informative article following up on a recent report from the Agricultural Research Service of two potentially beneficial wasp species observed in Michigan which may help to control the Emerald Ash Borer.