Asian longhorned beetle is a very difficult pest to control because larvae are cryptic, adults are high in trees and do not respond to long-distance pheromones, and populations in North America are at low levels. Based on public interest in use of biological control, we have been conducting studies that answer questions necessary for adoption of biological control methodology. Availability of a method for controlling Asian longhorned beetles using insect pathogenic fungi will lead to major improvements in control methods that are available against this potentially devastating invasive, as well as providing an effective and environmentally friendly method for control of this difficult pest.
impact statement issue
Invasive Asian longhorned beetles were first found in North America in 1996 and since then has been found in more locations; at present it has been found in 5 US states, Ontario and 6 European countries. Federal efforts to eradicate this insect have been intensive; it is critically important that this beetle not become established in native North American forests, at which point it would very probably become a devastating pest. Maple trees are especially at risk although this beetle can attack many different tree species. The Asian longhorned beetle is a difficult species to detect and to control. There are few methods for control and not all can be used in the urban areas so methods for environmentally sensitive biological control are needed. This project has been developing methods for control of Asian longhorned beetles using insect pathogenic fungi.
impact statement response
Research in the Cornell Department of Entomology has focused on developing methods for biological control of Asian longhorned beetle. Since 1999, research has been conducted in the United States and in China. In part, methods have been based on adapting a commercial product, used to control a closely related beetle that is an orchard pest in Japan. At present, we know that the 'fungal bands' method that we have been developing can be effective although delivery/application is still a concern; fungal bands should be used with lures to attract beetles but strong attractants have been elusive. Therefore, at present we are investigating use of EPA-registered insect pathogenic fungi for spray application against Asian longhorned beetles. We have found that the variable levels of imidacloprid in maples in the field are probably to low for synergism with this pathogenic fungus, although these results also suggest that an alternative control method is needed.
impact statement summary
Non-woven fiber bands impregnated with an insect pathogenic fungus have been developed for control of the invasive Asian longhorned beetle. We are also investigating insect pathogenic fungi for spray applications into trees. Because inesct pathogenic fungi can synergize the insecticide imidacloprid, currently used by the USDA, we also included studies of imidacloprid to investigate the potential for synergism in the field.
Other private funding
Grant from private non-profit charitable foundations.
