Update on Bacillus thuringiensis for management of emerald ash borer

Since emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), was discovered in Michigan in 2002, its distribution continues to expand throughout eastern North America where it has killed millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). It is likely this invasive buprestid first entered Michigan from China in the 1990s via infested solid-wood packing materials used in international trade. To conserve ash trees as an ecological resource in forested and riparian areas of North America, we are developing a microbial control agent with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) targeting adult beetles for use in an aerial suppression program. Last year we reported on our results of screening EAB adults and the selection of a Bt galleriae SDS502 for further research and development as a biopesticide. We will report on the results of EAB bioassays used to evaluated the efficacy and persistence of Bt formulations applied using simulated aerial applications.