ALB,EAB

February 2013

 

PICKAWAY TO GARDEN

 

ALB-EAB

 

By Paul Hang

 

ALB-EAB is not the vanity license plate of that first couple Adam L. and Eve A. Bucolic. Instead, they are the acronyms of a couple of enemies that have a license to kill our trees. One you have probably heard of, the other, probably not. Further, they both travel by cars and trucks being transported primarily in firewood, timber and some wood products.

 

EAB - Emerald Ash Borer is a small half inch long beetle with an iridescent metallic green color. As its name implies it lays eggs that hatch into larvae that bore into ash trees. These larvae stay and feed in the living layer of the tree just under the bark called the phloem before exiting as adults. The exit hole is a one eighth inch D shaped hole. Eventually its feeding girdles the tree shutting off any nutrients reaching the tree canopy. It has caused the death of millions of ash trees in the Midwest and is spreading. EAB damage is difficult to detect when the beetle first attacks ash trees. Once the thinning canopy and the exiting holes are noticed it is too late to save the tree.

 

ALB - Asian Longhorn Beetle is a giant one and a half inch black beetle with white spots. Its antennae, banded in white and black, are longer than its body hence the name longhorn. The ALB also lays its eggs on the bark of host trees, the eggs hatch into larvae that bore into the tree. Just like the EAB the larvae feed on the phloem layer just under the bark but then begin to bore into the xylem layer deeper within the tree. This causes tunnels throughout the trunk and limbs. This causes branch breaking, one of the signs of infestation. The exit holes are round and you can insert a pencil several inches into them.

 

What to do? Systemic insecticides such as Bayer's may work on EAB and can kill ALB during the growing cycle April to December. As with all poisons always follow directions on the package. However, systemic insecticides must be applied every year, and for larger trees it requires a certified applicator. As you might expect, this can be quite expensive. For large numbers of trees, as in a woodlot, it would be prohibitive. Natural predators may be discovered and there is some evidence that woodpeckers are having some effect.

 

Because of the extensive infestations and the ability of the EAB to fly to other trees there is no chance that it can be eradicated. The ALB tends to stay on the tree it has infected and has been found in only a few places in the country (southwest Ohio being one of them). There is a good chance it can be eradicated.

The major method of spread is by vehicles hauling infected firewood. DON'T MOVE FIREWOOD! Buy firewood where you will burn it.

 

EAB as its name implies attacks ash trees. The ALB attacks thirteen species of trees including all species of maple, willow, hackberry, poplar, birch, elm and others. It is depressing to think that we could lose these trees, that they would go the way of the American Elm and the Chestnut. With other threats to Canadian Hemlock, Walnut and Oak it is time to be vigilant and do what we can to save our trees. Diversify the trees you plant. Report the beetles if you see them. A place to learn more and to report signs go to www.beetlebusters.info.

 

The past two years have been very hard on all of our trees. A wet spring in 2011 and a dry year in 2012 have stressed trees inviting all manner of insects and diseases. This year we may see increased signs of stress which may or may not be related to ALB or EAB. The loss of so many trees would be an economic disaster as well as an aesthetic one changing the very appearance of our urban and rural landscape. Another effect would be on our health as the benefit to air quality from trees is substantial. Studies also show that simply viewing greenery and natural settings reduce blood pressure and have a positive effect on our sense of well being.

 

Towards the end of the month look for signs of the coming spring, skunk cabbage sprouting, morning cloak butterflies, birds sing more, return of male red-winged black birds. February is midwinter. It is the last full month of calendar winter. Spring is coming. However, there are no mammals that I am aware of who can reliably predict what will happen.

 

Things to do in the garden:

 

Not much. Check perennials for heaving up out of the ground. Press them down gently with your foot. The best time to prune is when the woody plants are dormant. Send in your seed orders. Will our results ever match those of the glossy color pictures?

 

This is a good time of year to do research. You can while away those cold blustery evenings becoming, if not a better gardener, at least a better informed one. Below are some good websites to help you find the information you want.

 

Ohioline -OSUExtension Publications    ohioline.osu.edu

Pickaway County's Extension Service    Pickaway.osu.edu

Weekly discussions of garden topics       bygl.osu'edu

Looking for natives?                                                Wildflowergardeners.org

Ohio Forestry Association                          ohioforest.org

My past columns can be found at             pickawaygardener.blogspot.com

Information about Master Gardeners       mastergardener.osu.edu

Growing Degree Days                                oardc.ohio-state.edu/gdd/

 

On March 5, at 7pm we will have an information session about the Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program at the Pickaway County Library, 1160 N. Court Street. If you have ever wondered about becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer this is an opportunity to learn more about it.