Home » Horticulture

Horticulture

TOMATO & POTATO LATE BLIGHT INFORMATION

COMMUNITY GARDENS

Oconto County Community Garden

CURRENT NEWS RELEASES

ENTOMOLOGY/INSECT

UW – Department of Entomology Insect Diagnostic Lab

EMERALD ASH BORER

CURRENT NEWS!!

EAB IN OUR BACKYARDS!

Emerald Ash Borer has become a problem in many neighboring states around Wisconsin and even in Wisconsin as of last summer. This little beetle kills ash trees. The facts, the emerald ash borer only attacks ash trees. It has been found in Wisconsin. The counties that the emerald ash borer has been identified in have been Vernon County in the southwest corner and Washington and Ozaukee counties on the south eastern side of the state. The three counties along with Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, and Crawford counties have all been put under quarantine. Quarantine means that resident and affected business must not transport any hardwood firewood, ash nursery stock, ash logs or timber out of the quarantined area. This restriction helps prevent the pest’s introduction to new areas and to minimize its spread. This beetle is about a ½ inch long and metallic green. Adults leave a D shaped hole when they emerge in the spring. One way to help control this nuisance is not to bring firewood into state parks or anywhere. Buy all firewood at the place where you are camping or wherever you’re staying.

We need to keep a watchful eye out for this nasty little beetle. Mountain ash is not affected by the beetle, as it is not a true ash so need not worry if you have one of these planted in your yard. But, the other types of ash (fraxinus) species are susceptible!! Check your trees over for D shaped holes. Another indicator is dying back in the tree; this is when the tree does not have as many leaves on it as it did in previous growing seasons also the outside of the tree canopy has fewer leaves and does not look full. Also look around the base of the truck for suckers or small looking braches growing up out of the ground right by the base of the tree. This is a big indicator of infestation. So, how does the beetle kill the tree? The beetle burrows into the cambium, which is between the bark and the inside of the tree. This is where all the water and nutrients move through. The larvae move around eating this tissue and killing the tree, because water and nutrients then cannot move up and into the leaves where it is needed. If you suspect an infestation in your tree contact your local Iowa County UW Extension Office by phone: 608-930-9850 or email DATCAP ateab@datcp.state.wi.us or call 1-800-462-2803. A great website to check out with many very helpful pictures is http://emeraldashborer.wi.gov/ .

D shape hole