Emerald ash borer - 2010 Georgia update [2010]

Emerald Ash Borer 2010 Georgia Update
The recent find of emerald ash borer (EAB) near Knoxville, TN prompted the release of this document.
Status in Georgia EAB has not been discovered in Georgia at this point. Georgia is part of a nationwide trapping program to detect the presence of this forest pest. In 2010, more than 120 traps were placed throughout the state by GFC, GDA and UGA. These traps targeted areas with an increased risk of introduction, such as campgrounds and cargo centers. Traps were also placed in stands with a high ash component. EAB has a high risk of being moved in firewood primarily because EAB develops between the bark and wood of the tree. Most firewood is moved with bark intact, making it a great vector. A campaign to educate campers about the risk of spreading pests in this manner is currently under way with GA State Parks. A 13-state campaign has been proposed to unify and develop the "Don't Move Firewood" message.
Ash Resource at Risk in Georgia White ash and green ash are the most common ash species found in Georgia. White ash occurs in moist upland or lowland forests found in the mountains and piedmont and is a valuable timber tree used for furniture, veneer, interior finish, baseball bats, railroad ties, tool handles and fuel. Green ash is found throughout the state mostly in lowland areas. Its wood is inferior to the white ash because it is more brittle and less resilient. However, it has some of the same uses as white ash. Carolina ash, pumpkin ash and blue ash are also found in Georgia but have a much lower occurrence. All species of North American ash appear to be susceptible to EAB. Commercial timber - GA has 1.35 million acres of forest land with an ash component. On this acreage, there is a total of 2.8 million tons of ash pulpwood, 1.9 million tons of ash palletwood and 8 million tons of ash sawtimber. The total stumpage value of ash in Georgia as of August 2010 is approximately $364 million. Urban Trees - About 2.9 million ash trees are found in Georgia's urban and community forests and have a value of $725 million.
EAB Basics EAB attacks only ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) and can take 3-4 years to kill the tree. Adult beetles are metallic green and about 1/2-inch long and are strong flyers. Adults leave a D-shaped exit hole in the bark when they emerge in the spring. Some larvae take two years to develop. Woodpeckers like EAB larvae; heavy woodpecker damage on ash trees may be a sign of infestation. EAB likely came from Asia in wood packing material.

Movement of infested firewood is a major means of spreading the emerald ash borer. Quarantines have been established in states with confirmed infestations to stop the spread of the insect through infested wood products. Buy local firewood. - Quarantine details by state: Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Tennessee. - Wildlife uses: seeds of ash are eaten by several species of birds. The bark is occasionally food for rabbits and beavers. Cavity excavating and nesting birds often use ash.
Additional information can be found at http://www.emeraldashborer.info/. EAB Prevention/Control
Certain insecticides can be used for prevention or control of EAB. The insecticide is applied as a protective cover spray, soil treatment, stem injection or bark spray depending on the type insecticide used.
In 2007, scientists introduced three species of parasitic wasps in an attempt to establish a biological control for EAB. This work is ongoing and success is still being evaluated.
If you think you have an EAB infestation, please contact your local Georgia Forestry Commission office (http://www.gatrees.org/ContactUs.cfm).
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