Robert Haack
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - 8:30-9:00
Dozens of new alien tree-infesting insects have been reported in North America in the past few decades. For example, considering only bark- and wood-infesting insects, more than 30 new alien species have been detected since 1985. However, federal quarantines have been passed for just 3 of these (Asian longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer, and pine shoot beetle), and one is still in discussion (sirex woodwasp). Quarantines are aimed at regulating human-assisted movement of potentially infested host materials (firewood, logs, nursery stock). Several new tree diseases have also been detected in recent years; the two most lethal are sudden oak death and laurel wilt. The geographic and host ranges of these new pests will be presented. Most of these alien forest insects and diseases likely arrived as hitchhikers on imported live plants and wood packaging materials (WPM) such as pallets or crates. In response, the international community adopted standards for treating WPM used in international trade in 2002. Many other international standards are now being developed. Using as examples several of the recently discovered borers and diseases this talk will address detection, survey and control methods; quarantine issues; impacts; and research efforts.
Keywords: ALIEN FOREST DISEASES, ALIEN FOREST INSECTS, EMERALD ASH BORER, LAUREL WILT, QUARANTINE