A Scentsible Approach Using Chemical Ecology to Manipulate Insect Populations and Protect Host Trees in California and Hawai’i

Bark beetles in California, and throughout much of the West, and ambrosia beetles in Hawaiʻi have played a key role in massive tree mortality events. This joint presentation with Chris Fettig and Kylle Roy will cover mechanisms of beetle disturbance, beetles’ chemical communication, and the development and use of the beetle repellent SPLAT Verb to protect trees.

Dr. Chris Fettig’s research focuses on forest health and disturbance ecology with an emphasis on bark beetles, climate change, and wildfire. His aim is to develop knowledge and tools that allow natural resource managers and others to better care for forest resources. He is a research entomologist with the Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station.

Dr. Kylle Roy’s scientific interests are in the multidisciplinary approach of combining entomology, pathology, genetics, ecology, and forestry with the intent of conservation of native species and management of invasive species. She is an entomologist for Hawaiʻi and the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands with the Forest Service Region 5’s Forest Health Protection program.