Biological control of emerald ash borer in Tennessee: The race is on!

The emerald ash borer was first documented in Tennessee in 2010, and is now found in 18 counties. Mortality of ash trees has been documented at several locations, and tree health of numerous ash appears to be declining rapidly at many locations. Biological control activities against emerald ash borer were implemented in Tennessee in 2012.  Two species of introduced parasitoids were released at four locations in three counties. In addition, screened-cage and tree enclosure studies were initiated to assess development, survival, and parasitism of each wasp species on emerald ash borer in Tennessee. Results from these studies to assess introduced parasitoids, as well as ongoing studies to assess native parasitoids, of emerald ash borer will be presented. The race is on to establish these parastioids and reduce emerald ash borer populations before ash resources diminish, causing economical and ecological concerns.