The fight to slow the spread of emerald ash borer continues. On October 30, 2014, the day a new quarantine went into effect for ash products and hardwood firewood, “Pesticides for Safeguarding Ash Trees against Emerald Ash Borer” was co-sponsored by the N.H. Department of Resources and Economic Development Division of Forests and Lands, N.H. Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food, and UNH Cooperative Extension. The workshop included product and equipment demonstrations by Arborjet and Rainbow Tree Care.
The half-day workshop attendees included arborists, foresters and licensed pesticide applicators, who learned cutting-edge techniques to safeguard ash trees in New Hampshire amidst growing concern about the spread of emerald ash borer. Some attendees have already applied pesticides to ash trees to help control the spread of what has been called the most destructive forest pest in North America.
The workshop began indoors, with Karen Bennett reminding the attendees to report any suspicious insects or trees to www.NHBugs.org. Molly Heuss introduced the biology of emerald ash borer, tips on identifying infested trees, and techniques for managing emerald ash borer. Piera Siegert discussed the quarantines on hardwood firewood and ash products, including best management practices for professionals working in counties with a known emerald ash borer infestation. Kyle Lombard presented research on specific pesticides used to control emerald ash borer in individual trees. And, David Rousseau provided some reminders about setback and safety requirements for licensed pesticide applicators.
The group then headed outdoors to learn about several techniques for applying pesticides and specific products that are available to licensed pesticide applicators. Industry representatives demonstrated soil injections around ash trees and truck injections of healthy ash trees. The pros and cons of the various methods and products were discussed. Arborists who have experience with applying pesticides to control emerald ash borer also shared their insights.
While there is still a lot to be learned about the best techniques to slow the spread of emerald ash borer in New Hampshire, it was clear at this workshop that there are many knowledgeable people ready to take on the fight. For more information about emerald ash borer and caring for your ash trees, go to www.NHBugs.org
Source:unh.edu