U of M Researchers Discover New Defense Against the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a promising defense against the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The pest, which is an invasive wood-boring beetle originally from Asia, was first confirmed in the United States in 2002. Since then, it has devastated ash tree populations in much of the Midwest and Eastern states. 

In some cities, ash trees compose 20% of the existing urban tree canopy. It is estimated that Minnesota is home to over 1 billion ash trees, all of which are susceptible to the EAB. There are existing insecticides that can help prevent EAB infestation; however, these treatment options are often expensive and must be administered every few years.

The EAB has spelled bad news for ash trees in the US for over two decades. Now, researchers at the U of M have uncovered a potentially new defense against the pest – and it comes in the form of a fungus.

U of M researchers tested 10 fungi to determine their effectiveness in killing the EAB. All of the fungi are native to the state. Several of the tests produced promising results, effectively reducing the lifespan of EAB test subjects.

Researchers now plan to continue testing the successful fungal strains in autodissemination devices placed at sites across Minnesota state parks and forests.

After losing millions of trees already to the EAB, this new approach could help to save the remaining ash tree canopy and the habitats that rely on them.