FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, September 29, 2011

CONTACT:
Liz Erickson, Communications Coordinator
763.219.9386, Liz.erickson@state.mn.us

MDA introducing stingless wasps to fight emerald ash borer near St. Paul’s Summit Ave.

St. Paul, Minn. ‑ The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) invites media to view the release of stingless wasps as a biological control for emerald ash borer (EAB). MDA and its partners will release the stingless wasps in Saint Paul close to the recently discovered infestation near the Summit Avenue area.

EAB is an invasive beetle threatening ash trees in North America. Biological control, or biocontrol, pairs a pest species with natural enemies that restrict the pest population in its native range. MDA will release two species of stingless wasps that were tested and approved by USDA for biocontrol to limit the EAB population. The release of the biocontrol is part of an integrated pest management plan, meaning the stingless wasps will be used in combination with selective tree removal and tree treatments.

Experts will also be available to speak about the use of trees recently removed in the area for research on EAB.

What:

• Biocontrol release of stingless wasps to combat emerald ash borer. Reporters will have an opportunity to release the stingless wasps.
• Discuss cold tolerance of EAB and the stingless wasps.  Reporters can learn more about research being conducted by the U.S. Forest Service to determine if EAB could survive in northern Minnesota.

Who:
Monika Chandler, MDA Biological Control Program Coordinator
Mark Abrahamson, MDA Emerald Ash Borer Project Manager
Dr. Rob Venette, USDA Forest Service Research Biologist
Brad Meyer, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Public Service Manager

When:
1:00 p.m. Friday, September 30, 2011

Where:
The parking lot of St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church. The parking lot is on the southwest corner of the intersection of N. Kent St. and Portland Ave. in St. Paul, MN.

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