Toward the development of survey trapping technology for the emerald ash borer

Improved survey tools are essential for accurately delimiting the infestation of emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and for detecting new infestations. Current survey methods including visual surveys for damage, girdled trap trees, and trunk dissections are less than ideal because newly infested trees typically do not display external symptoms and trap trees and trunk dissections are destructive and labor intensive. Here we present a summary of research conducted by scientists from several organizations on the development of efficacious trapping techniques for A. planipennis. Studies included the identification of host attractants and testing responses by A. planipennis in the laboratory, field trapping experiments evaluating different trap designs and baits, and trap tree studies comparing girdling, baiting, and different colored bands.