The Green Menace Emerald Ash Borer and the Invasive Species Problem

About this book

The Green Menace is an account of the scientific and social responses made to the discovery of an invasive forest insect – the emerald ash borer or (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, 1888) – in North America, that was formally announced in July 2002. Since its recognition, this wood-boring beetle has become one of the most destructive and costly exotic species ever encountered. More than $300 million in federal USDA-APHIS funds alone have been devoted to battling this pest, which has killed some tens of millions of ash trees, chiefly within southeastern Michigan and surrounding states. Emerald ash borer has now been found in 27 states and two Canadian provinces. But those numbers are almost certain to keep growing in coming years.

While primarily a case study, The Green Menace nonetheless examines larger issues concerning invasive species as a whole, their inadvertent transport and worldwide spread through the rise of globalisation, regulations that have been adopted to prevent their introduction, and the successes or failures of state and federal agencies to try and enforce those regulations. It offers the first general work of its kind to appear on the ash borer that is directed towards a broad audience including the public, entomologists and foresters, environmentalists and ecologists, researchers, regulators, and indeed anyone who wishes to learn more about this important and timely topic. No previous knowledge of emerald ash borer or invasion biology is assumed.

The Green Menace covers all of the major aspects of scientific research and management that have occurred since emerald ash borer was recognised in 2002. It is thoroughly researched and draws from the best available data and sources, which represent (a) archival materials; (b) scholarly publications and conference proceedings; (c) interviews conducted with leading participants in the emerald ash borer program; (d) selected newspaper and magazine articles; and (e) reputable sources found on the Internet (e.g., USDA-APHIS).

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments

Chapter 1: Background and Context, 1888-1998
Chapter 2: Detection and Identification of EAB, 1998-2002
Chapter 3 Biological Invasions, Integrated Pest Management, and EAB Program Support
Chapter 4 Emerald Ash Borer: Biology, Ecology, and Behavior
Chapter 5 EAB's Impact: On Communities, Individuals, Businesses, Native Americans, and Canadians
Chapter 6 The Emerald Ash Borer Battle in Michigan (and Beyond)
Chapter 7 From Girdled Trees to Purple Traps: Chemical Lures Pheromones, and Pesticides
Chapter 8 Natural Enemies: Biocontrols of EAB in Asia and North America
Chapter 9 Ash Resistance; Environmental and Economic Costs of EAB; Preventing Another Invasion?
Chapter 10 Conclusions: Living with EAB

Bibliography
Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Jordan D. Marché II has been an avocational entomologist for more than 30 years, specialising in the Coleoptera (or beetles). He earned his PhD in the History and Philosophy of Science from Indiana University (1999). Jordan has taught coursework, chiefly in astronomy and its history, at a number of universities and colleges, most recently at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He serves as editor of the Wisconsin Entomological Society Newsletter.