Economic assessment of potential emerald ash borer damage in urban areas in the United States
| Authors: | Robert G. Haight, Kent Kovacs, Andrew M. Liebhold, Deborah G. McCullough |
| Year: | 2009 |
| Type: | Other |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| Source: | In: McManus, Katherine A; Gottschalk, Kurt W., eds. Proceedings. 20th U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on invasive species 2009; 2009 January 13-16; Annapolis, MD. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-51. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 32-33. |
Abstract
Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), a beetle native to Asia, was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002 and by the end of 2008 it had been found in locations in 10 states. Emerald ash borer (EAB) has the potential to spread and kill native ash trees (Fraxinus sp.) throughout the United States. While EAB infestations may initially spread relatively slowly, humans spread the insect much farther by moving infested ash logs, firewood, or nursery stock. State and Federal agencies have responded with quarantines on the movement of ash material and surveys to detect new infestations. These programs are expensive, yet there is very little scientific literature on the number of ash trees and the aggregate cost of treating trees to prevent infestation and removing infested trees, especially in urban areas.
Parent Publication
- Proceedings. 20th U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on invasive species 2009