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Research

ALB in handEradication of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) from the United States is the goal of the US Department of Agriculture and other cooperating state organizations where this exotic pest has been found infesting trees.  Several research projects have been initiated to improve survey and detection methods that enhance the chance of successful eradication. Should eradication prove unfeasible however, management strategies are also being investigated. In addition, the potential impact of ALB on the American landscape is being evaluated, including the specific host range of this exotic pest in the US. An overview of much of the ALB research is presented here, which has been compiled with the cooperation of the scientists involved with this ongoing work. We will update this section as additional information becomes available.

* Please note information on this page is prior to 2005 *

Biology
There is a critical need for information on the basic biology of the Asian longhorned beetle.  This information is a vital component for the potential management (and hopefully eradication) of this pest.  A number of scientists are currently studying the biology of ALB, from life cycles to host tree species.  Below are some abstracts from these researchers.     
Synthesis Report on Rearing Asian Longhorned Beetle (PDF)
 Effects of Temperature on the Life History Parameters of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Age-Specific Fecundity of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on Three Tree Species Infested in the United States (PDF)
Methods for Rearing the Asian Longhorned Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis
Anoplophora glabripennis from Egg to Adult
Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Flight Propensity in the laboratory
Characterization of the Response of Asian Longhorned Beetle Larvae Artificially Inserted into Three Host Tree Species under Greenhouse Conditions
Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Fecundity and Egg Viability on Acer saccharum in the Laboratory
Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Development on Cut Logs of Four Species of Acer
Comparison of the Reproductive Potential of Anoplophora glabripennis (Motsch.) Among Host Tree Species

 
Insecticides
          The effectiveness of several commercially available chemical insecticides is currently under investigation. Though these compounds would not be appropriate for use in a maple forest used for producing maple syrup, they may be suitable for eradication or slowing the spread of this pest. Both systemic and topical insecticides are being tested.
Efficacy of Pesticides on the Asian Longhorned Beetle Anoplophora glabripennis
Toxicity and Efficacy of Imidacloprid to Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Evaluation of Systemic Insecticides to Control Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

 
Survey and Detection
          Efficient, reliable and cost-effective ALB detection methods are essential for successful eradication. Currently detection of ALB is limited to searching for infested tress by ground crews using binoculars, tree climbers or inspectors aided by hydraulic lift vehicles. Based on the experiences of the past 4 years, the experts admit that early infestations are easily overlooked by inspectors who check trees from the ground. Detection of infested trees is more likely when inspectors are able to survey the upper canopy of the trees, but this is expensive, and dangerous because of power lines, and depending on the location of the tree sometimes impossible. Researchers are currently developing acoustic detection technology that will enable inspectors to determine if a tree is infested by “listening” for the feeding sounds made by ALB. 
          Research is also being conducted to isolate chemical attractants to trap ALB. They would serve as an important tool for evaluating the efficiency of surveys, but would not replace the need for surveys and tree inspection. Pheromones (odors given off by the beetle to that attract other beetles) and plant extracts are being investigated. An attractant trap would increase ALB detection and monitoring capabilities around infested areas, at ports and in warehouses.
Dispersal of Anoplophora glabripennis (Cerambycidae) (PDF)
Modeling Dispersal of the Asian Longhorned Beetle (PDF)
Acoustic Detection of Anoplophora glabripennis and Native Woodborers (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Dispersal Potential of Anoplophora glabripennis Motsch.

Semiochemicals of Anoplophora glabripennis, the Asian longhorned beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Aggregation Pheromone for the Asian Longhorned Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

 
Eradication
Impacts of Chipping on Surrogates for the Longhorned Beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Logs
Methods Development for the Exclusion of Asian Longhorned Beetle
Technologies For Preventing Introductions of Exotic Wood-Boring Insects Into The United States

 
Impact
           ALB is a serious pest problem in China, where it causes significant economic loss in poplar plantations. So far all ALB infestations in the US have been found in suburban and urban environments. However, in the US where millions of acres of contiguous hardwood forests occur, the impact of ALB is unknown but could be devastating. This country represents a new environment for ALB with many different host tree species. Studies are underway to determine the host range of ALB in this country.  This research will provide information to improve methods of survey and detection and enable a more comprehensive assessment of the economic and environmental impacts of a widespread infestation of this pest.
The Potential Effect of Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) on Urban Trees in the United States

 
Biological Control
          Few natural biological controls are known for ALB in China. Because much of the life of ALB is spent protected within the tree, it is difficult for natural enemies to reach them. Surveys are underway to identify previously undiscovered beneficial insects or pathogens that could be developed for management.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF ANOPLOHORA GLABRIPENNIS MOTSCH.: A SYNTHESIS OF CURRENT RESEARCH PROGRAMS
Infectivity of Rhabditoid Nematodes to the Asian Longhorn Beetle
Investigations of Natural Enemies for Biocontrol of Anoplophora glabripennis (Motsch.)

 
Bibliography


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Last Updated: 2005