Phenology of Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and Its Introduced Larval Parasitoids in the Northeastern United States

Abstract

Biological control offers a long-term and sustainable option for controlling the destructive forest pest emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, in North America. Three larval parasitoids, Spathius agrili Yang (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang (Eulophidae), and Spathius galinae Belokobylskij & Strazanac, have been introduced to North America from the native range of EAB (northeastern Asia). While T. planipennisi appears to be persisting where it has been introduced in northern United States, S. agrili failed to establish in northeastern states. The more recently identified parasitoid S. galinae was recovered from the Russian Far East and climate matching suggests it should be suited for release in colder climates. We collected data on the phenology of EAB and its introduced larval parasitoids from colonies established in an insectary, growth chambers, and field-caged trees in Syracuse, New York to determine whether asynchrony between parasitoids and EAB or climate could impact establishment and persistence. Phenological data indicated EAB has one and 2-yr life cycles in New York, with parasitoid-susceptible EAB larvae available spring to fall for parasitism. Insectary and growth chamber studies indicated S. galinae and T. planipennisi were synchronous with EAB phenology, and field studies suggested both species could overwinter in northeastern climates. Spathius agrili was asynchronous with EAB phenology and climate, emerging when fewer parasitoid-susceptible EAB larvae were available and temperatures were not optimal for survival. Our results suggest S. galinae and T. planipennisi are suited for biological control of EAB at the northern limits of its range in North America.

Keywords: biological control; emerald ash borer; parasitoids; phenology.