First Detector Training EMERALD ASH BORER MONITORING & MANAGEMENT

Transcription

1 First Detector Training EMERALD ASH BORER MONITORING & MANAGEMENT

2 EAB Module 5

3 the Ohio State University, Module Objectives This module provides an overview of the methods and procedures currently used for preventing, responding to, and recovering from an EAB outbreak. Upon completing this module, you should be able to: Summarize the modes of EAB dispersal and identify practices that help slow infestation and moderate its impacts on a community Identify the options available for managing an EAB outbreak and discuss their applications and limitations Explain how communities and their urban forests can recover from an EAB outbreak and minimize threats from future invasive pests

4 David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org Preparing for an EAB Outbreak Without substantial advancements in EAB detection and control methods, the spread of EAB across the eastern U.S. is inevitable. As such, individuals and communities are advised to begin preparing for EAB outbreaks. The purpose of these preparations is to facilitate response and recovery activities, thereby minimizing the negative impacts of an outbreak. Response plans include details of the administrative, regulatory, and technical actions to be taken once an EAB outbreak occurs.

5 Troy Kimoto, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Bugwood.org P.E. Wiseman, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Mitigating an EAB Outbreak Natural spread of migrating EAB adults is very slow compared to the rate of spread by human transport of infested ash trees and wood. Based on current research, the rate of natural spread of EAB depends on Pest Pressure, or the total number of EAB in a given area. Early infestations with low Pest Pressure spread slowly, usually less than 1 mile per year. However, older infestations with high Pest Pressure can spread much more quickly. On the other hand, the inadvertent movement of firewood or other infested materials can move EAB hundreds or even thousands of miles in only a few days. Therefore, a fundamental strategy for slowing EAB spread is restricting movement of ash trees, materials, and products.

6 DCNR- Forestry Mitigating an EAB Outbreak (continued) Educating both citizens and businesses can raise awareness of EAB spread and reduce the incidence of high risk behaviors. In areas where EAB has not yet been found, recommended practices to slow EAB spread include: Firewood buy only local firewood and encourage local campgrounds to prohibit outof-state campers from bringing their own firewood. Nursery stock discourage sale and planting of native ash trees. Raw wood products avoid importing ash timber, waste wood, landscape debris, green lumber, and untreated wood products from infested areas. Avoid movement of ash material during flight season. Archive, Bugwood.org Francis Gwyn Jones, Bugwood.org

7 Review What is the fundamental strategy for slowing EAB spread? Answer Debbie Miller, USDA FS, Bugwood.org

8 Mitigating an EAB Outbreak (continued) Once an EAB outbreak has been verified by federal and state officials, a series of response actions are taken to limit the spread and impact of the pest. Most state response plans entail four phases: delimitation, quarantine, mitigation, and restoration. Initial response actions in New York are directed by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Delimitation Upon initial detection a field survey is performed to determine the extent of the EAB infestation. The survey commences at the epicenter of the outbreak and proceeds outward, documenting the location of infested trees.. Michigan Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org

9 Responding to an EAB Outbreak Quarantine The purpose of a quarantine is to prevent EAB spread by people to uninfested areas. Based on delimiting survey information about the source, extent, duration, and secondary spread of an outbreak, authorities implement a formal quarantine to restrict movement of ash wood. Quarantines in NY have been established at the county level and incorporate many counties that are uninfested to allow for movement of sawtimber. Who regulates the quarantines? Interstate USDA APHIS Intrastate New York Dept. of Ag & Markets The Ohio State University, To view the current quarantine map, visit:

10 Responding to an EAB Outbreak Mitigation Once a quarantine has been established, authorities begin actions to mitigate impacts within the infested area. Choosing an appropriate course of action at the community level is a complex matter that is influenced by numerous factors that include: Age and size of infestation Ash density and distribution Risk of reintroduction Risk of spread from the location Resources to manage infestation Community attitudes and values Ideally, the course of action should represent community consensus based on input from government officials, resource professionals, and citizens. Jan Yarnot, Flickr

11 Review What are the four phases for responding to an EAB outbreak in most states? Answer Michigan Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org

12 Course of Action: Overview Communities responding to an EAB outbreak typically choose from three courses of action Take no action Eradication Suppression, or slow the spread Taking no action means EAB is permitted to run its course without human intervention. This will result in severe damage to the local ash tree resource and economic impacts to communities. While direct costs could be minimized in the short-term, the long-term costs associated with removal of dead trees, loss of ecosystem services, and loss of forest revenues would be substantial. PDCNR - Forestry Archive, Bugwood.org

13 The Ohio State University, Course of Action: Eradication The intention of eradication is to completely eliminate EAB from an infested area. This entails removing and destroying native ash trees within the delimited outbreak area plus an outside buffer zone that provides a margin of safety. Eradication of EAB is problematic for several reasons. First, it is difficult to accurately delimit an outbreak area because it is hard to distinguish infested trees from uninfested trees in its early stages. For this same reason, it is risky to cull only infested trees, sometimes necessitating the removal of seemingly healthy ash trees too. Finally, the cost of equipment, fuel, labor, and disposal (not to mention the environmental and aesthetic impacts) can be high. Eradication has proven to be impossible and is no longer considered an appropriate response to an EAB infestation.

14 David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org Course of Action: Suppression Suppression is the management strategy adopted by the NYSDEC. The objective is to slow the spread of EAB within the state to allow communities time to plan and thereby mitigate the economic, social, and ecological impacts. The various components of this strategy form the basis of what is known as integrated pest management (IPM). For EAB these components include sanitation, trapping, tree removal, biological control, and insecticide application. For best effect, an IPM strategy should be implemented at the community level and combine practices most suitable for the circumstances of the outbreak.

15 Review What are the three courses of action communities can take when responding to an EAB outbreak? Answer Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

16 Minnesota Department of Agriculture Permission via Integrated of EAB Monitoring and sanitation are key practices for integrated management of EAB. Citizens and resource professionals must be vigilant in locating secondary outbreaks and exterminating the pest by either destroying the host plant material or applying insecticide. By doing so, the pest population can be reduced, its spread slowed and valuable time can be gained to plan ahead and hopefully develop new management techniques. Because EAB is dependent on ash trees for reproduction, strategic tree removal can also be used for suppression. Simply removing over-mature, poor-condition ash trees can reduce EAB population growth.

17 Integrated : SLAM (SLow Ash Mortality) The NYSDEC has been implementing a strategy to slow EAB population growth called SLAM (SLow Ash Mortality) that was originally developed in Michigan. There are three basic components to this strategy: Early detection and rapid response Removal of infested trees Creation of Population Sinks or girdled trap trees Trap trees are super attractive trees created by girdling live trees to trigger stress, which attracts female EAB to lay eggs. The females prefer girdled trees to healthy trees for egg laying. The trap trees are then destroyed before the larvae complete their life cycle. Mark Whitmore, Cornell University

18 Integrated : Biological Control Populations of native insects are kept in check by a combination of host tree resistance and natural enemies. Invasive pests become problems because one or both of these controlling mechanisms is not present in the new place they have been introduced. There is considerable interest in biological control as an EAB management tactic because most other tactics are not practical for the long term in natural ecosystems. Thanasimus dubius It is essential for the survival of ash that biological control be established as early as possible. There are two operational possibilities for biological control: classic bio-control, and augmentation of native natural enemies. The process of classic biological control involves exploration in the area where the pest is native to discover natural enemies to import and control the pest. Atanycolis cappaerti

19 Integrated : Biological Control (continued) Scientists have discovered three species of small, stingless wasps in China that parasitize EAB eggs and larvae (pictures and names at right). These insects have been released and have become established at many locations. Releases in New York commenced in 2011 at two sites, Cattaraugus and Ulster Counties. Research continues to determine if they have become established. Tetrastichus planipennisi Oobius agrili There are also a few native natural enemies that have switched from their native hosts to EAB, sometimes becoming abundant. Research continues to determine if their populations can somehow be augmented to increase their efficacy. Spathius agrili

20 David Smitley, Michigan State University Integrated : Insecticides Recent advancements in insecticide technology have improved the efficacy and affordability of controlling EAB. Insecticides are being used to protect valuable ash trees and to keep trees alive until funds become available for removal and replacement. Careful consideration should be given to both the benefits and limitations of managing EAB with insecticides. First, recognize that a single application of insecticide is effective for only 1 3 years depending on the product. Second, not every tree can be effectively treated. Since most products are systemic, the tree must be reasonably healthy to ensure adequate uptake and distribution of the insecticide. For this reason, infested trees with >50% dieback may not respond to treatment. 30% 50% 70%

21 Eric Rebek, Michigan State University David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org Integrated : Insecticides (continued) Third, current evidence suggests that insecticides are less consistent in protecting trees with trunk diameter over 25 inches, and trees over 15 inches are best treated professionally due to limitations on pesticide use by homeowners. With these considerations in mind, it is apparent that long-term use of insecticides for controlling EAB is most appropriate for healthy, intermediate-size, high-value ash trees. Because current products provide limited residual protection, it is not cost effective to treat trees preventively if EAB has not been detected within 15 miles.

22 Noreen Riordan, Summit Landscaping Integrated : Insecticides (continued) Not all products currently registered in New York are equal in their ability to control EAB. Current research indicates that most systemic insecticides are efficacious at low Pest Pressures found at the beginning and end of an outbreak. However, only one systemic insecticide has been found to effectively control EAB when the Pest Pressure is high, emamectin benzoate, or Tree-age. Research is also showing that early treatment is best, before any crown symptoms appear, at the leading edge of an infestation. In addition, treatments in spring are more effective than treatment at other times of the year.

23 Review What is the purpose of EAB suppression using IPM? Answer Mark Whitmore, Cornell University

24 Recovering from an EAB Outbreak Recovering from EAB outbreak can be challenging. However, communities should not let the experience foster negative attitudes towards landscape trees and instead should embrace the opportunity to improve its urban forest. EAB recovery has three focus areas: Remove low-value ash trees threatened by EAB Protect high-value ash trees from EAB Replace lost ash trees with diverse species not susceptible to EAB Ideally, a recovery plan that identifies objectives, priorities, tasks and deadlines for recovery of the community forest should be included in the community's response plan. Trunk injection David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org; forester cutting down an ash tree, the Ohio State University, volunteer planting a tree, Susan Pierce, Trees Atlanta, Bugwood.org

25 Recovering from an EAB Outbreak In communities with many ash trees, the removal and disposal of trees during and following an outbreak can overwhelm local resources. As a result, many dead trees are left standing and large amounts of ash wood debris accumulate awaiting proper disposal. During recovery, the highest priority is to remove infested ash trees and dead trees that have become hazardous. Large, dead trees that are located near high-use areas (e.g. streets, buildings, parks) present the greatest hazard and should be removed right away. Quarantines usually dictate how and where ash tree debris is disposed, but there are utilization options that can help reduce waste and recover value. Mark Whitmore, Cornell University

26 Recovering from an EAB Outbreak Some communities opt to systematically harvest uninfested ash trees as part of their outbreak recovery efforts. The rationale is that removal costs can be spread over several years and the vacated spaces can be promptly replanted with non-susceptible species to jumpstart reforestation. PDCNR - Forestry Archive, Bugwood.org This strategy should preferentially cull lowvalue ash trees that are over-mature, poorcondition, or growing in undesirable locations. In remote areas, it may be desirable to simply kill ash trees by girdling or herbicide application to reduce work, minimize disturbance, and create wildlife habitat. James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

27 Recovering from an EAB Outbreak Protecting ash trees from EAB is a long-term commitment. For this reason, preservation should only be considered for the highvalue ash trees in a community. These might be trees that have significant functional, sentimental, or aesthetic value. Many communities designate by ordinance their heritage, historic, or memorial trees, which may mandate preservation of some ashes. Along with periodic insecticide treatments, preserved ash trees should be placed on a routine maintenance program that includes pruning, irrigation, fertilization, and mulching as well as annual inspection by an arborist to evaluate health and structure. Dana Malone, VA Big Tree Database

28 EAB Cost Calculator. Created by Dr. Cliff Sadof, Purdue Univ.

29 Impact of preserving 50% of the urban trees with pesticides Costs: Spread out over time

30 Impact of preserving 50% of the urban trees with pesticides Benefits: Urban tree canopy retention

31 Recovering from an EAB Outbreak Beauty, adaptability, and ease of transplant have made white and green ash popular choices as lawn and street trees, particularly in Midwestern communities where American elms were decimated by Dutch elm disease. Ironically, overuse of native ashes has led to the same calamity experienced with American elms fifty years ago. Communities over-reliant on ashes are now facing significant losses in canopy cover that must be addressed through tree planting. Keep in mind that a single genera should not account for more than 20% of a community s trees and that some vacated spaces (e.g. under power lines) may not be suitable for large-stature species. P.E. Wiseman, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

32 Recovering from an EAB Outbreak The EAB recovery phase provides a good opportunity to improve local urban forestry policies and practices. Indeed, much of the turmoil caused by EAB could have been avoided with better planning and management of community forests. EAB has taught us that promoting species diversity is a fundamental stewardship practice. P.E. Wiseman, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Enacting tree ordinances and establishing a tree commission can also help ensure that suitable species are planted by citizens and that trees are afforded reasonable protection to keep them healthy and safe. Finally, developing a long-term management plan helps articulate a vision for the urban forest and identifies tasks needed to avoid future threats to this community resource.

33 Review What are three focus areas in recovery from an EAB outbreak? Answer Mark Whitmore, Cornell University

34 Module Summary Responding to an EAB outbreak 1. Delimitation - field survey to determine the extent and severity of the infestation 2. Quarantine - restricting movement of ash trees, materials and products 3. Mitigation - course of action Take no action - let EAB run its course without human intervention Eradication - completely eliminate EAB from an infested area by removing and destroying all ash trees within the outbreak area Suppression - integrated management which includes sanitation, trapping, tree removal, biological control, and insecticide application 4. Restoration and recovery - remove low value ash trees, protect highvalue ash trees from EAB, and replace lost ash trees with diverse species

35 Credits Content adapted from the NPDN EAB modules prepared at Virginia Tech; published June 2010 Mark Whitmore, Forest Entomologist with Cornell University Department of Natural Resources, Prepared by Rachel McCarthy, NEPDN Education and Training Coordinator, Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University,