Emerald Ash Borer Update January 2011
This past week I have been at the Iowa Turf Conference. Pesticide applicator recertification is attended by all of us that are certified by the State of Iowa. This year we were given an update on Emerald Ash Borer and it’s progression. I thought I would like to pass those facts along to you as presented to us by State Entomologist Donald Lewis from Iowa State University.
First EAB has been found in Iowa. This pest was found on an island in the Mississippi River in the late fall of 2009. They found 4 of the larvae on an ash tree. So as the instructor so aptly put it, no EAB has been found on the Mainland of Iowa. There has been no more reported outbreaks for 2010!
The state of Iowa also tested over 350 campgrounds, 235 tree nurseries, and 79 wood industry businesses to make sure there was no EAB being transported from previously infected areas. None Found in 2010!
Iowa State University did cut down 38 ash trees. Why? Because these were trees that had been previously damaged and would not amount to a good tree. The thought process was that they would take them down and replace them with a better suited variety that would not be susceptible to EAB. They did not have EAB!
So what does this mean for us? The state will continue to be very diligent in searching for this pest and trying to control it if they find it. Right now they are recommending that if you have a diseased or dying ash, you should replace it. If you have a specimen tree, they feel you should not treat the tree with any preventative insecticide until EAB is reported 15-20 miles from your site. Last year here at DMGCC I did treat a few ash trees, in 2011 I will not be doing so but I will closely monitor the situation. Two web sites that you can also monitor the progress of EAB are:
www.Emeraldashborer.info or www.iowatreepests.com
Now the not so good news, there are a couple of other tree pests that are alarming and you should be aware of them. Asian Long Haired Beetle is one that is being found east of Iowa and effects and kills maple trees. Gypsy Moths are also found east of Iowa and this year 1,856 Gypsy Moth traps were place along Iowa’s eastern border. Just over 2,500 specimens were found in the traps, this is up from the previous high of 250. Again not to be alarmed but you can monitor the progress of this pest at the Iowa tree pest’s web site. Thank you.
