WV: Biocontrol Agents Released in WV to Fight Emerald Ash Borer
News Date September 07, 2010
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) assisted the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA, APHIS) with the release of two different biological control agents at Cacapon State Park in Morgan County and near Thurmond in Fayette County to reduce Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) populations. These parasitic insects, called parasitoids, were discovered in China and have been studied and reared for release in the United States.
The parasitoids attack only EAB and will not harm humans, pets or other animals. Once they become established, they are expected to suppress EAB populations to a point where ash trees can survive EAB infestations. The first field releases of these parasitoids occurred in Michigan in 2007. Click here for more.