FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 22, 2010

CONTACT:
Michael Schommer, Communications Director
651.206.2956, Michael.schommer@state.mn.us

MDA introducing new ally to fight emerald ash borer in Houston County

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) today conducted the state’s first release of stingless wasps as a biological control in an effort to slow the spread of emerald ash borer (EAB) in Minnesota.  The release took place in the Upper Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Area, in Houston County.

Biological control, or biocontrol, is a pest control strategy that pairs an invasive pest species with natural enemies that restrict the pest population in its native range.  MDA released two species of tiny, stingless wasps approved for EAB biocontrol by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).  MDA and partners including APHIS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, released the stingless wasps after testing confirmed the wasps will not harm people or negatively impact other species or the environment.

According to MDA Biological Control Program Coordinator Monika Chandler, the goal of the wasp release is to introduce a natural control that mitigates damage and moves with EAB as it spreads.  The wasps may be used in other infested areas in the future.

“Emerald ash borer is native to Asia, and it doesn’t have a lot of natural enemies here in North America to keep its numbers in check,” Chandler said.  “These wasps kill ash borer eggs and larvae in Asia, and have established in limited introductions in other EAB-infested states.”

To date, MDA has confirmed EAB infestations in Hennepin, Ramsey and Houston Counties.  EAB larvae kill ash trees by tunneling into the wood and feeding on and disrupting the flow of tree nutrients.  Since its accidental introduction into North America, EAB has killed millions of ash trees in 13 states.  The metallic-green adult beetles are a half inch long, and are active from May to September.  Signs of infestation include one-eighth inch, D-shaped exit holes in ash tree bark and serpentine tunnels under the bark.

Officials remind Minnesotans they can take the following steps to keep EAB from spreading:

• Don’t transport firewood. Buy firewood locally from approved vendors, and burn it where you buy it;
• Be aware of the quarantine restrictions. If you live in a quarantine county, be aware of the special restrictions on movement of products such as ash trees, ash limbs, and firewood.  Details can be found online at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/eab/quarantinefaq.aspx; and
• Watch for signs of infestation in your ash trees.  If you suspect your ash tree could be infested by EAB, visit www.mda.state.mn.us and use the “Do I Have Emerald Ash Borer?” checklist.

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