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A Breakthrough in EAB
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is one of the most significant challenges to keeping North America's forests healthy. First discovered
in the United States in Michigan more than a decade ago, this highly invasive Asian beetle has killed millions of ash trees across
North America.
Thanks to pioneering research by the Davey Institute, arborists may be able to detect EAB much earlier. Infected trees first show
signs of infection at the treetop, but this is difficult to see from the ground. It's often a matter of years before signs of infection
present at ground level, which is often too late to save them. Anand Persad, manager of arboriculture and plant sciences, discovered
that EAB-infected tree branches break uniquely when compared to those of a healthy tree—midway along the branch rather than
close to the trunk. Looking for these breaks high in a tree's canopy can lead to an early EAB diagnosis and more successful
treatment of trees.
There are several treatments available to protect ash trees from EAB, including chemicals that repel egg laying or that kill EAB
larvae. Cover sprays can also be applied to branches and trunks when the adult EAB are active and flying around.
Armed with early diagnosis techniques and chemical treatments, Davey Tree stands ready to protect billions of ash trees.
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