Effect of tree condition on performance of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Emerald ash borer is currently the most significant forest health issue in eastern North America, with populations expanding every year. Effective management and suppression of these populations requires detailed knowledge about the biological factors regulating population growth. This experiment used girdling and caged insects to test the effect of tree condition of the subsequent performance of EAB. Tree condition influenced some measures of performance (e.g., emergence, longevity) but not others (e.g., oviposition). This supports recent findings of resistance by some native ash to EAB, and suggests this effect may be reflected in the performance of adults. However this effect does not appear to be consistent over all parts of the adult life cycle.