Biology and laboratory rearing of Oobius agrili, an encyrtid egg parasitoid of emerald ash borer

The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, a buprestid native to northeast Asia, is the cause of extensive ash tree (Fraxinus spp.) mortality in areas of North America. Classical biological control with three EAB parasitoids from China is being evaluated for use in management of EAB in the U.S. One of these species is Oobius agrili (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a solitary parthenogenic egg parasitoid. We will provide an overview of its biology, laboratory rearing methods, and its use as an EAB biocontrol agent.