Innovative Solutions: Parasitic Fungi to Control Emerald Ash Borer

A new study from the University of Minnesota found several species of parasitic fungi effective at killing emerald ash borer beetles, a major pest in North America. The research utilized an autodissemination device that traps beetles and coats them with spores of insect-killing fungi.

Lead author Colin Peters explained that the goal is for the beetles to spread the spores to one another, particularly in hard-to-access forests like the black ash marshes of northern Minnesota. The study tested ten fungi from Minnesota to assess their effectiveness against these beetles.

It is crucial to use local fungi to avoid introducing non-native species and because they adapt better to local conditions. All fungi tested were successful in infecting emerald ash borers, and while the lifespan of the beetles varied based on the fungus, three Minnesota-sourced fungi and one commercially available strain consistently reduced beetle lifespan.

Co-author Robert Blanchette emphasized the need to explore all possible methods to control this pest, given the billion ash trees in Minnesota. The researchers are now testing the four most successful fungal strains in autodissemination devices across Minnesota's state parks and forests, with funding from the University of Minnesota's Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, supported by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.