Long term effect of the Asian Longhorned Beetle

[Dan Herrmann]

An invasive species to North America, the Asian Longhorned Beetle has the potential to make Dutch Elm disease look like the common cold.  This beetle essentially kills trees.

Trees favored by the Asian Longhorned Beetle are predominantly maples, but infestations have also been discovered in horsechestnuts, poplars, willows, elms, mulberries and black locusts.  Currently, there is no known chemical or biological defense against the Asian Longhorned Beetle and, in North America, they have few natural predators. In all cases of infestation, the affected trees are cut down and the wood destroyed.

Till now, they've been kept in check, but we could end up with a bad situation.

Let's say the beetle does outpace our control efforts and golf courses are affected.  How would the loss of maples and other native trees affect GCA current and future iif those trees were wiped out (like the Dutch Elm)?

[Dan Herrmann]

More info (these species have a potential to seriously affect eastern forests, and eventually golf courses):

Firewood Advisory
Attention! Invasive Beetles found in Firewood Threaten Forests
Before bringing firewood to a Pennsylvania State Park, please read the information below about a very real threat to forests in Pennsylvania and all of North America.

Firewood may contain non-native insects and plant diseases. Bringing firewood into the park from other areas may accidentally spread pest insects and diseases that threaten park resources and the health of our forests. Management of trees infected with these pests involves drastic measures, such as the complete removal of all trees (infested and otherwise) in the immediate and surrounding areas.

The Asian Long Horned Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer are two insects that can be easily spread in firewood. Although the adult beetle may not be present, the firewood may be infested with the immature stage of these insects.

Movement of any/all firewood from infested and/or quarantine areas is prohibited in accordance with the Pennsylvania Plant Pest Act of 1992. All such regulated firewood will be confiscated and destroyed. First time offenders will be issued a warning letter by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, with repeat offenders subject to prosecution according to provisions in the Pennsylvania Plant Pest Act. Even if you are not within a quarantine area using local firewood is best. Do not take wood home with you and do not leave firewood - Burn It!

The emerald ash borer has been found in Pennsylvania in the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Juniata, Lawrence, Mercer, Mifflin, Washington and Westmoreland.

Emerald Ash Borer Beetle Quarantine exists in portions of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. For further information go to: www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ep/eab/quarantine.html

This .pdf from the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the National Park Service has pictures of the beetles. www.nps.gov/acad/pdf/firewood.pdf

This Web site has lots of info and videos on the emeral ash borer. www.dontmovefirewood.org/