Invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetles have killed hundreds of millions of North American ash trees, but entomopathogenic fungi have potential to play a big role in pest management solutions.
New research screening the pathogenicity of fungal strains found in EAB galleries demonstrated consistent ovicidal effects of these fungi on EAB eggs. Additionally, high levels of inoculum were recovered from both EAB eggs and larvae showing the strength of the infection and demonstrating that even after emergence, larvae were infected. The possibility of disrupting EAB’s life cycle at these early stages represents a potential management opportunity.
With this knowledge, further research can explore opportunities to use entomopathogenic fungi as part of integrated pest management approaches for EAB in North America, with potential to reduce beetle populations and preserve ash trees.