New EAB chatter

treevet

Just received June 08 Arborage mag. with article about EAB that threatens to wipe the genus Fraxinus from the continent and already is reaching 50 million ash killed. David L. Roberts, PHD discusses how Emerald Ash Borer was originally diagnosed as "Ash Yellows", a phytoplasma or bacteria-like microorganism. Chlorotic foliage, epicormic shoots on trunk, followed by D shaped exit holes (that were also misdiagnosed as Two Lined Chestnut Borer or TLCB) all led to this error.

Roberts began this research project in June 2001 with only private research funding. Though not an entomologist he proved through DNA detection technology that it was not Ash Yellows at cause. Then Agrilus Plannipennis was observed by him and identified as opposed to TLCB and having no common name here coming from Asia, they named it Emerald Ash Borer.

Containment/eradication plans have not fared well. The 1" chip reduction edict left many survivors and this hastened rather than slowed the spread.
Types of research (destructive research) and faulty assumptions have added to wrong steps. Also understatements as to the efficaciousness of treatment by government and media fostered the misperception that EAB is a 100% death sentence. They also extrapolated from the "forest fire" analogy that with cutting and 1" chipping they could stop the fire/infestation when it burns itself out with nothing to fuel the fire. They were wrong again. People are the main vector in movement and you can tell by the "forest fires" all down the interstate highways.

There are treatment success stories if the money spent is ok in regards to the results as judged by the spender. But don't expect the spending to stop soon if ever. Part II is coming next month in Arborage.

treeseer

re "ash yellows" that reminds me of when maples strangled by their own roots was called "early senescence".

Yeah it was a big surprise to see such a useful article in Arbor Age (US). Goes ta show ya; keep an open eye in unlikely places, and unlikely things can happen.

1" chip edict----frickin foresters treating pests like a fire.

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Guy Meilleur | Forensic Arborist | Better Tree Care

treevet

I told a researcher personally a while back that IMO, woodchips seemed a very likely source of the spread. You have line clearing companies, like Asplundh, using the old style of chipper that dispenses a very large chip. They come from all over the place and drop chips all over the place whenever asked. Also seemed to me, I said, that even the contemporary chipper will allow a small larvae to survive.

The only way to stop this thing is of absoluteness in regards to destruction of removed ash. Any (meaning any) ash that is removed should be transported to a designated state controlled area and be incinerated. This is about as likely to happen as in response to drug dealers, anyone selling drugs should be arrested.

The answer seems so obvious yet you see no enforcement or even hear of it and the researchers spend all the time and money on protecting a select few trees for the wealthy that can afford treatment that has been researched using public funds. No one has any misconceptions that any of this research will lead to eradication.

The huge outcry to save a historic tree in the twilight of it's genetic preordained existence compared to everyone including researchers and media and top arborists have put blinders on while 50 million trees have died and it is just a drop in the bucket as a genus is exterminated.

The huge outcry upon recognition of the inadvertent transport of this exotic pest from Asia to the U.S. should pale in comparison to the fumbling, bumbling ineptness that is allowing with complete awareness this tree killer to spread all over the country. Shame Shame Selective indignation.

treeseer

well gosh dave whadya really think? I agree with all but

"genetic preordained existence" is a bit heavy on the Darwinism; more than Darwin, even. What proof/testament/rationale/wag do you have on this? I don't believe in preordination, whether divine or genetic.

It depends...

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Guy Meilleur | Forensic Arborist | Better Tree Care

treevet

Preordained existence as in an increment of life span that indicates generally how long a genus or species will live under fairly acceptable conditions. A white oak will outlive a pin oak historically according to empirical data. Anywhooo...my rant is "save the whale", "save the manatee" "save the tse tse fly", where is the "save the ash"? I see it as doable if an unwavering concerted effort by Government, Cops, the media, the public, and especially us Arbs....go for it right now. Stop any movement of ash be it chips, wood or nursery stock. Talk about "significant trees" to lash yourself to if you are the "cause" fighter. We bicker over the proper cut or bumping a root or two making a difference in the large scheme of things, this is a now or never thing that could save billions of trees. You'd have to witness what is going around to understand what I mean Guy.

treeseer

I know what you mean and i agree--publicity is needed.

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Guy Meilleur | Forensic Arborist | Better Tree Care