The primary purpose of this agreement is to 1) support programs to eradicate the asian longhorned beetle (ALB), anoplophora glabripennis, 2) support research investigating emerald ASH borer (EAB),…

The primary purpose of this agreement is to 1) support programs to eradicate the asian longhorned beetle (ALB), anoplophora glabripennis, 2) support research investigating emerald ASH borer (EAB), agrilus planipennis, rearing methodology of to support biological control efforts, 3) develop and improve survey methodology for invasive woodborers (cerambycids, buprestids and scoltytines) and moths (box tree moth, spongy moth) to support the efforts of caps to detect and prevent exotic wood-boring beetles from entering and becoming established in north america, 4) develop and improve traps and trapping methods for detection and control (through trapping and classical biological control) of the spotted lanternfly (SLF), lycorma delicatula. Activities will include conducting experiments to support current ALB research as well as the ALB program in bethel, OH. Work will also be conducted to optimize EAB parasitoid rearing and recovery techniques and to produce sentinel logs for EAB biocontrol field research. Traps and lures for exotic woodborers will be screened for their effectiveness in detection programs. SLF trapping assays will be conducted in CT and in to determine the detection capabilities alternative hosts to tree of heaven as well as to screen potential visual attractants (IE. Colors, patterns) , and to determine the ability of current trapping methods (circle traps) to reduce populations in low density areas. SLF nymphs will also be reared to be presented to dryinid parasitoids. ACP colonies will also be maintained, and insects from those activities will be conducted by xavier support staff stationed in the fpml bethel OH field station, as well as in east stroudsburg, PA, brighton, MI and at the fpml in buzzards BAY, MA. Deliverables will include staffing assistance by xavier for work to be conducted in MA, MI and OH. This will include training, HR, and travel support. Staff from these locations will work in conjunction with PPQ staff to support the studies being conducted. Lists of target new england and midwest woodborer species will be compiled from trapping assays. Efforts will support efforts of USDA-aphis, and other collaborating federal, state and local agencies, to provide early detection tools for potentially invasive woodborers, as well as SLF. EAB biocontrol efforts will also be supported by the research being conducted in this agreement as well.