I wanted to pass along some information I recently received about an important educational program being offered next week in Greenwich, CT at the Montgomery Pinetum. The program is free of charge and is open to all interested parties. Just remember to register first…
Asian Longhorned Beetle
Connecticut trees are in danger of attack by the Asian Longhorned Beetle. Worcester , MA suffered a MASSIVE loss of trees because people did not respond quickly enough. It is as close as New York City , Long Island, and New Jersey . Responsible citizens will look for this beetle and get appropriate help when spotted.
This beetle can kill a tree in 3-5 years. Host trees are several species of hardwood trees including maple, elm, willow, birch, horsechestnut and poplar. Oak and pine trees are not affected. The female beetles chew niches in host tree bark and lay individual eggs in each niche, from 35 to 90 eggs per female. Eggs hatch and the caterpillar- like larvae feed under the bark, and then tunnel into the heartwood where they mature. They spend the winter protected in the tree, pupate in May and June, and emerge in July, chewing a perfectly round 3/8 to 5/8 inch exit hole. Remember, in 3-5 years the trees can be dead. We have to act now.
Please Come Learn!
Learn How to Identify the Asian Longhorned Beetle. A combined lecture and hands-on excursion into the Montgomery Pinetum woods will enable you to be proactive with this very serious threat. An impressive group of co-sponsors are behind this, and Rose Hiskes, Diagnostician and Horticulturist from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station will lead and teach us.
Wednesday, November 18. Coffee 9:30 a.m.
Garden Education Center 130 Bible Street in Cos Cob, CT
Asian Beetle Program 10:00 – noon. Emerald Ash Borer Program noon-1:00
All are welcome, but must register in advance. No charge. To register, email Linda Cummin at lcummin@greyfoxfoun dation.com or fax 203-869-6694. Questions call 203-661-2257. Bring your own bag lunch or one can be ordered for $8.00 payable in advance. Pesticide recertification (up to 3 credits) available for arborists, ornamentals, turf, and private applicators. For questions on recertification contact Rose.hiskes@ ct.gov or 203-974-8600.
To find out more information about the Asian longhorned beetle, visit this page on the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station‘s website.
Seminar organized by Linda Cummin Master Gardener and member of Hortulus, RHA, and GEC. Co-sponsored by Hortulus, Tree Warden Bruce Spaman and Greenwich Parks and Recreation, Greenwich Conservation Commission, Round Hill Association , Green Fingers Garden Club, Greenwich Garden Club, Garden Education Center of Greenwich, Green and Clean, Greenwich Tree Conservancy, Sam Bridge Nursery, McArdle’s Florists and Greenhouse, Greenleaf Tree Services and Bartlett Arboretum.
Great post! I know that these pests are a huge threat to our nation’s trees. The USDA just issued a press release last month that said more beetles have been found in Massachusetts. Did you know that these pests enter the country through packing materials like wood pallets? The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has even been been holding a number of safety meetings about the dangers in several states. I’ve written about it at pallettruth.com, you might be interested in reading more there!
Joe,
While I knew that many invasive insects – and plants too- enter the US through packing materials I must admit I didn’t realize that wood pallets were also responsible.
I also read that firewood is spreading the pest problem, especially with emerald ash borer and asian longhorned beetle. It pays to be careful about where your firewood is coming from, especially if you live near an infected area.
Debbie,
I suspect you will report anything you learn? I’ll have to rely on your ears and eyes for this one.