Chapter 10. Use of entomopathogens against invasive wood boring beetles in North America

Abstract

Anoplophora glabripennis and Agrilus planipennis are wood-boring beetles introduced from China to North America that are capable of killing healthy trees; A. glabripennis is polyphagous but attacks on maples (Acer spp.) are of major concern in North America, and A. planipennis attacks ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). Bioassays against A. glabripennis with entomopathogenic fungi identified that a strain of Metarhizium anisopliae (F 52) is virulent against adults. The primary deployment method investigated is propagation of the fungus within bands of non-woven fiber material. The fungal bands are then wrapped around tree trunks or branches, where wandering adults become contaminated with spores when walking across bands.

Citation

Hajek, Ann E.; Bauer, Leah S. 2009. Chapter 10. Use of entomopathogens against invasive wood boring beetles in North America. In: Hajek, A.E.; Glare, T.R.; O'Callaghan, M., eds. Use of microbes for control and eradication of invasive arthropods. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer: 159-179.