Minnesota Scientists Find Potential Cure For Emerald Ash Borers

EAGAN, MN— Scientists from the University of Minnesota have found a fungi that could control the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer — which has killed thousands of trees in Minnesota.

When Emerald Ash Borer larvae feed below the bark of a tree, they can sometimes bring a harmful fungi with them that later kills the tree, but some of the fungi also is effective in killing the pests-these fungi have been identified by U of M scientists, the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center said.

“Before now, we simply haven’t been sure what fungi are associated with EAB infestations in Minnesota. This project identified those species and, in doing so, opened up new possibilities for managing one of our state’s most devastating tree pests,” Ben Held, the study’s lead author and researcher in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, said.

Some species of fungi actually attack certain insects, including the Emerald Ash Borer, the center said.

“We discovered that several different species of fungi attack EAB and other insects, and they can now be further tested for their potential for biocontrol,” Robert Blanchette, the study’s project leader and professor in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, said. “This is a very important first step in the search for a biocontrol for emerald ash borer.”

Scientists will further study these fungi to see if they can be used to kill the pest, the center said.

The city of Woodbury has recently partnered with Rainbow Treecare to treat ash trees in Washington County that have been affected by Emerald Ash Borers.

You can learn more about the studies conducted by the University of Minnesota here.