A strong program on forest insect ecology and management, augmented by the on-campus location of a USDA Forest Service North-central Research Station, gives the department a strong presence in forest entomology. Together, these scientists are national and international leaders in the area of invasive species detection and management.

1. Ecology and Management of Native and Exotic Forest Insects
Contact: Deb McCullough

Much of McCullough’s research is focused on invasive forest pests including the emerald ash borer (EAB). Current research addresses influence of tree species and vigor on host preference of adult EAB and larval development rates; vulnerability of ash species from the southern and western states, Europe and Asia; population dynamics and rate of spread of EAB; effective methods to protect landscape ash trees from EAB with insecticides; strategies to slow the progression of ash mortality in localized outlier sites: development of effective survey and trapping methods; and evaluation of native parasitoids affecting EAB larvae. In addition, research projects underway will assess impacts of beech bark disease on regeneration, aboveground productivity, species composition and wildlife habitat. McCullough is also working with multi-disciplinary groups to assess economic impacts of non-native forest insects, identify combinations of methods or technologies for eradication of non-native forest insects and develop a theoretical basis for eradication policy.

2. Control of invasive forest insect pests using insect pathogens
Contact: Leah Bauer

Some of the highlights of Bauer’s work have included describing a new species of microsporidium isolated from Asian and citrus longhorned beetles collected in China; completing a natural enemy survey that includes the parasitoids, predators, and pathogens attacking emerald ash borers in Michigan; and studying the efficacy of two registered microbial insecticides, Bacillus thuringiensis and Beauveria bassiana, to control emerald ash borers.

3. National Slow the Spread of the Gypsy Moth
Web site: National Slow the Spread of the Gypsy Moth
Contact: Amos Ziegler

The Slow the Spread (STS) Project is a national strategy funded by the USDA Forest Service and APHIS. State cooperators manage recently established populations of gypsy moth within the project area. State and federal partners deploy pheromone traps to monitor moth movement; evaluate, detect or delineate newly established colonies; and conduct treatments.

4. Emerald Ash Borer Detection
Web site: Emerald Ash Borer Detection
Contact: Therese Poland

Poland’s work includes development of monitoring and detection systems for the emerald ash borer using traps and attractants.