A Little Bug with a Big Bite: Impact of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Infestations on Forest Ecosystems in the Eastern USA and Potential Control Strategies

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Apr 19;14(4):438. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14040438.

Abstract

Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand, HWA) remains the single greatest threat to the health and sustainability of hemlock in the eastern USA. The loss of hemlock trees leads to further negative impacts on the diversity and stability of ecosystems in the eastern part of North America. It is, therefore, urgent to develop effective control measures to reduce HWA populations and promote overall hemlock health. Currently available individual and integrated approaches should continue to be evaluated in the laboratory and in the field along with the development of other new and innovative methods.

Keywords: Adelges tsugae; hemlock trees; hemlock woolly adelgid; pest management and policy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ecosystem*
  • Forests*
  • Hemiptera / parasitology*
  • Hemiptera / physiology
  • Hemlock / parasitology*
  • Herbivory / physiology*
  • Insect Control*
  • Tsuga / parasitology*
  • United States