Emerald Ash Borer Identified In Connecticut

By Nancy K. Crevier

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced Friday, July 20, that the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) was detected in Prospect July 16. The identification was confirmed by federal regulatory officials in the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine (USDA APHIS-PPQ), according to a press release issued by CAES.

The Bee reported in August 2010 on the alert issued that summer, confirming the presence of the emerald ash borer beetle (EAB) just 25 miles over the Connecticut border, in Saugerties, N.Y.

The EAB is a destructive pest responsible for the death and decline of more than 25 million white, black, and green ash trees in 16 states. Ash makes up about four to 15 percent of Connecticut’s forests and is valued for its aesthetic appeal, as well as for its value as a forest product. Wood from the ash tree is considered to be excellent firewood, and is used to make items including tool handles and baseball bats. The green ash is used in basket making.

The insect is native to Asia, where it is not considered a pest, and was most likely introduced into the United States in infected wooden pallets. The beetle was first identified in the United States in Detroit in 2002.

It is the larvae of the 3/8 - to 5/8 -inch iridescent green beetle that causes damage and death to ash trees. As larvae tunnel beneath the bark, food and water transport for the tree is destroyed. Visual signs of EAB infestation include bark splits, crown die-off, with a premature yellowing of leaves, and D-shaped exit holes.

The 2010 New York infestation was at a campground, and may have been from firewood transported from one area to another. At the time, the DEEP and CAES urged campers not to transport firewood, but rather to purchase it at or near the campground, and burn all firewood before leaving the campground.

The July 20 press release noted that this is the first record of the beetle in Connecticut, with the probable site of infestation located in the Naugatuck State Forest.

 “The detection of the emerald ash borer in Prospect and probably in Naugatuck reaffirms that statewide surveys for this pest were necessary,” said Louis A. Magnarelli, director of CAES. “We expected to find the beetle in areas of Connecticut across from infestations in Dutchess County, New York; however, the EAB has great flight potential and can travel in infested wood moved by people. This pest attacks all species of ash trees. Our immediate goals are to determine how extensive the Connecticut infestation is, notify residents in the Prospect and Naugatuck area, and implement strategies to slow the spread of the insect.”

 “This is a disturbing discovery and one that has the potential for great environmental harm in the state,” said DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty, in the press release. “Now that EAB has been detected here, it is more important than ever to limit its spread. It is imperative that residents and visitors throughout the state not move firewood. The movement of firewood that contains the presence of EAB is the quickest way to rapidly spread the insect. We will continue to work closely with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and other state and local agencies to do everything in our power to minimize the presence of EAB in Connecticut,” said Mr Esty.

DEEP and CAES were moving forward with preventative measures, following the confirmation of the infestation in Connecticut, including a quarantine zone to prohibit the movement of certain wood products out of New Haven County; a ban on the importation of firewood into Connecticut from New York or Massachusetts; additional detection traps placed in the Prospect area to monitor the presence of EAB; and there a suspension of all timber contracts and firewood permits for state forest lands in New Haven County. DEEP will also maintain a ban that has been in place against bringing any firewood into state parks and forests.

If an EAB infestation is suspected, Connecticut resident may contact the US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection, Plant Protection and Quarantine, at www.aphis.usda.gov; or CAES at 203-974-8474 or CAES.StateEntomologist@ct.gov.