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University of Minnesota research might lead to EAB control

New University of Minnesota research might lead to a breakthrough in controlling what has been called the most devastating invasive forest insect in the U.S. 

The University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center recently published a study identifying various fungi living in trees invested with the Emerald Ash Borer.  Researchers Robert Blanchette and Ben Held have discovered that several different species of fungi attack EAB and other insects, and some fungi also attack the tree, speeding up wood decay.  The report says researchers can now do further testing of the many fungi to see if they can be used as biocontrol for the invasive pest.

The report says Emerald Ash Borers have killed hundreds of millions of ash trees nationwide.