Ward purpose: financial assistance from aphis will facilitate the cooperator in carrying out the goals of the plant and animal disease, pest control, and animal care program number 10.025 by…

Ward purpose: financial assistance from aphis will facilitate the cooperator in carrying out the goals of the plant and animal disease, pest control, and animal care program number 10.025 by "conducting surveys and inspections to detect and appraise infestations, eradication and control activities, and carrying out regulatory actions to prevent interstate spread of infestations and disease. One of the primary pathways for the introduction of spongy moths is international shipping trade with eastern countries. Alabama remains at high risk for the introduction of these invasive defoliators due to the port of mobile, which receives a large volume of overseas cargo shipments each day. Other high-risk species, including the pine tree lappet moth, masson pine moth, and rosy moth, may also be introduced accidentally through maritime trade pathways associated with the port of mobile. These invasive moth species share similar pathways, host preferences, and biological characteristics with the spongy moth, increasing their potential for establishment and spread within the state. Activities to be performed: the cooperator seeks to conduct a program which is expected to result in: early detection and containment of the targeted pests if found. Identification of pathways. Better knowledge to assist with exports and industry. Provide the alabama department of agriculture and industries, USDA-aphis-PPQ, and surrounding states with information regarding the status of these pests. Trapping activities targeting asian defoliators will be conducted at three designated locations surrounding the port of mobile. Traps will be deployed in early june and removed in early october visual survey for the OAK splendour beetle (agrilus biguttatus) and the spotted lantern fly (lycorma delicatula) will occur from may through august. Deliverables and expected outcomes: the objective of the exotic bark beetle survey is to determine if target pests have been introduced into alabama's forests. The presence of these harmful exotic pests could disrupt the ecosystem of natural forests throughout the state. Trapping will occur from late spring through october. Traps will be monitored every 2 weeks. Visual surveys will be conducted every 2 weeks. Fact sheets, resources and pest reporting will be continually updated as new information becomes available. Survey and identification of any targeted pests. Suspect specimens will be sent to the auburn university plant diagnostic lab for identification. Intended beneficiary(IES): the cooperator seeks to conduct a program which is expected to result in.early detection and containment of the targeted pests if found. Identification of pathways. Better knowledge to assist with exports and industry. Provide the alabama department of agriculture and industries, USDA-aphis-PPQ, and surrounding states with information regarding the status of these pests. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: auburn university plant diagnostic lab - analyze insect samples.