Success With Biocontrol in the Battle for Ash Trees
The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive beetle that has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America since its discovery in 2002. Many regions of the United States are still in the early stages of EAB infestation. An infestation can expand by roughly 15 to 20 miles per year, with […]
CSI For Bugs, Part 3: Diagnosing Dieback Caused by Insects
This article is the third in a series by the author designed to help arborists diagnose and understand problems caused by insects and mites on woody landscape plants. The first article, “Basics for Diagnosing Problems Caused by Insects and Mites” (TCI, November 2020), focused on using signs and symptoms to help pin down the identity […]
CSI for Bugs, Part 2: Diagnosing Injury Caused by Insects with Chewing Mouthparts
This article is the second in a series by the author designed to help arborists diagnose problems caused by insects and mites on woody landscape plants. The first article, “Basics for Diagnosing Problems Caused by Insects and Mites” (TCI November 2020), focused on the basics of diagnostics. By using clues, signs and symptoms left behind […]
Return of Periodical Cicadas in 2021: Biology, Plant Injury and Management
Natural events often occur in predictable cycles. In temperate North America, we are accustomed to the annual production of the leaves, flowers and seeds of our deciduous oaks and maples. Agave americana, the giant agave native to Mexico and Texas, is commonly known as the century plant due to its enormous periodic bloom of a […]
APHIS Changes Approach to Fighting Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is changing its approach to fighting the emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation that has spread through much of the United States. The agency announced in December it was publishing a final rule that removes the federal domestic EAB quarantine regulations that have proved […]