Invasive species are one of the major threats to forest ecosystems worldwide. The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a destructive, non‐native, wood‐boring pest of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). EAB was first detected in Texas in April 2016 when four adult EAB beetles were caught and confirmed in a monitoring trap in Harrison County just south of Karnack. Texas A&M Forest Service began monitoring for the pest in 2012 by strategically deploying detection traps each spring. The traps are monitored throughout the spring and summer months during peak EAB emergence and movement. As of August 2022, EAB has been detected in 11 additional counties since the original Harrison County detection was made in 2016. Here we discuss the identification, ecology and management of the emerald ash borer.
This session learn about:
• The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a destructive, non‐native, wood‐boring pest of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.).
• Slowing local EAB population growth is key
• Protect landscape trees with systemic insecticides is an option in urban and residential areas.
Dr. Demian Gomez is the Regional Forest Health Coordinator for the Texas A&M Forest Service. He obtained a Bachelor and M.Sc. in Forest Entomology in Uruguay, and a PhD from the University of Florida with focus on invasive bark and ambrosia beetles. His work focuses on early detection, management, and regional initiatives to deal with forest pests, in the context of climate change and invasive species.