The study by scientists at the university’s Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, published in the journal Fungal Biology, identified various fungi living in ash-borer-infested trees.
The finding is considered an important first step in finding specific fungi that may be harnessed to control the spread of the emerald ash borer and eventually saving ash trees.
“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,” said Robert Blanchette, the study’s project leader and professor in the university’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.
An adult stage emerald ash borer. A new University of Minnesota study finds that natural fungi may help stop the insect from killing ash trees. (Photo courtesy of emeraldashborer.info)
Since first found in the U.S. 19 years ago, the emerald ash borer has become the single most devastating invasive forest insect in the nation, killing hundreds of millions of ash trees at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars.
Ash borer larvae feed just beneath the bark, leaving behind tunnels that can stretch up to 20 inches long. Beneath the surface, fungi — some of which may be capable of parasitizing ash borers — may be carried by the larvae as they develop, or may enter the tree through the tunnel galleries.
From Rochester to Duluth, researchers gathered samples where ash trees have been infested by the insect. Scientists used DNA sequencing to identify several types of fungi, including some that attack insects and others that cause wood decay. It's hoped the fungi that kill emerald ash borer could someday be used as a sort of natural insecticide, Blanchette said.
The research was funded through the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Emerald ash borer have been killing trees in Duluth and Superior for several years now, incldung this tree in West Duluth. A new study found natural fungi may help stop the insect. (Bob King / 2018 File / News Tribune)
There is some good news that the toughest Minnesota winters also will slow the ash borers from spreading as fast. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture found that 98% of ash borer larvae died at 30 below zero and about 34% died at 10 below zero.
Minnesota law prohibits moving infested ash as firewood or moving any firewood out of quarantine areas such as Duluth. State officials are asking people to be on the lookout for ash borer expansion and to watch their ash trees for infestation.
For more information on emerald ash borers in Minnesota, go to emeraldashborer.info/state/minnesota.php.
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