The purpose of the award is to restart and advance the scymnus camptodromus biological control project by reestablishing laboratory colonies, conducting genetic confirmation, and completing host range…

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a cooperative agreement totaling $136,126 to the University of Massachusetts on September 1, 2026, to restart and advance the Scymnus camptodromus biological control project targeting hemlock woolly adelgid.

The recipient will conduct surveys to collect fresh S. camptodromus samples, establish and rear laboratory colonies, and perform genetic analyses to confirm species identity relative to earlier voucher populations. Additional activities include collecting and rearing non-target species and conducting host range testing following previously established protocols. Deliverables include a fully established laboratory colony of S. camptodromus, genetic confirmation of its identity, and continuing host range testing results. These outcomes support resubmission of a revised petition for environmental release of the species as a biological control agent for hemlock woolly adelgid, which threatens Eastern North American hemlock forests.

The work is performed in Massachusetts with a period of performance through August 31, 2027. The project benefits hemlock forest managers and rural communities dependent on this forested system.

The purpose of the award is to restart and advance the scymnus camptodromus biological control project by reestablishing laboratory colonies, conducting genetic confirmation, and completing host range testing necessary to support a revised petition for field release. The ultimate goal is to gain approval for environmental release of this species as a biological control agent for hemlock woolly adelgid. Activities to be performed: project activities include surveys to collect fresh s. Camptodromus samples, establishing and rearing laboratory colonies, and performing genetic analyses to confirm species identity. Additional activities include collecting and rearing non target species and starting to conduct host range tests following previously established protocols. Deliverables and expected outcomes: expected deliverables include a fully established laboratory colony of s. Camptodromus, confirmation of its genetic identity relative to earlier voucher populations, and continuing host range testing. These outcomes support resubmission of the release petition and progress toward implementing biological control of hemlock woolly adelgid. Intended beneficiary(IES): this proposed work will benefit eastern north american hemlock forests, which face severe decline from hemlock woolly adelgid infestations, and the work will benefit those that rely on this forested system, including forest managers and rural communities.