Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Biological Control against the Banded Ash Clearwing Borer
Three species of entomopathogenic nematodes were evaluated for suppression of the banded ash clearwing borer (BACB; Podosesia aureocincta) attacking green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). Field trials were located in Howard County, Maryland (shopping mall parking lot), utilizing Steinernema carpocapsae and S. feltiae, and Ocean County, New Jersey (suburban street trees), utilizing Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae, and S. glaseri. Nematodes were applied as bark sprays in June (NJ), July (MD), and October (NJ) using a backpack sprayer. Examination of pupal exuviae and/or adult emergence revealed reduced BACB populations in 7 of 9 nematode treatments, with control ranging from 12-54 percent. Nematode sprays applied to dry bark did not provide acceptable control.Abstract
Contributor Notes
Support for this project was provided by research grants from The Horticultural Research Institute 1290 I. Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, and the Agricultural Agents Association of New Jersey. The authors thank J. Fiola and P. Gross for statistical assistance, Ocean County Master Gardeners for data collection assistance, and M. Raupp, J. Fiola and J. Davidson for thoughtful review of this manuscript.
2Associate Professor and Extension Agent, Agriculture/Pest Management, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 1623 Whitesville Road, Toms River, NJ 08755
3Regional Extension Specialist, Pest Management, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service, Central Maryland Research and Education Center, 11975 Homewood Rd, EllicottCity, MD 21042
4Program Associate, Landscape Pest Management, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 1623 Whitesville Road, Toms River, NJ 08755