Emerald Ash Borer Discovered In Jackson And Clayton Counties, Iowa

Feb 15, 2017

By Julie Sparks

Emerald ash borer, a highly destructive insect that attacks and kills ash trees, has been confirmed in Bellevue and Marquette. Native to Asia, EAB is responsible for the death of tens of millions of ash trees nationwide.

The Bellevue discovery in Jackson County came after city staff alerted state officials of an ash tree that was displaying symptoms of an EAB attack. For Marquette in Clayton County, a member of the Iowa EAB Team noticed the tree while in the area. In both cases further investigation led to the collection of insect specimens that were later positively identified as EAB.

The adult emerald ash borer is a metallic green beetle measuring approximately one-half inch long and one-eighth inch wide, making it a challenge to detect in the landscape. The female beetles lay eggs on the bark of ash trees. The eggs hatch and the larvae bore underneath the bark, inhibiting the trees’ ability to transfer water and nutrients. Trees attacked by EAB usually die within two to four years.

EAB-infested ash trees display canopy dieback beginning at the top of the tree and progressing downwards, S-shaped feeding galleries under dead or splitting bark, D-shaped exit holes, water sprouts (along the trunk and main branches) and increased bark damage by woodpeckers.

“Increased woodpecker damage is what brought awareness to these recent finds,” said Mike Kintner, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship EAB and gypsy moth coordinator. “Whether it is during the dormant or growing season, evidence of an EAB attack can be noticed throughout the calendar year.”

Jackson and Clayton counties will join 39 other Iowa counties where this exotic insect has been detected. Nationally, EAB has spread to 29 states since being discovered in Michigan in 2002. Firewood is a vehicle for the “human-assisted” movement of EAB and other tree-killing pests. Use locally sourced firewood whether burning it at home or when travelling so that injurious pests are not unknowingly spread.

Anyone who suspects an infested ash tree in a county not known to have EAB should contact a member of the Iowa EAB Team. Members include officials from Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the USDA Forest Service.

At this calendar date, the window for all preventive treatments has closed. If a landowner is interested in protecting a valuable and healthy ash tree within 15 miles of a known infestation, he or she should have landscape and tree service companies bid on work, review the bids and treat beginning spring 2017 (after mid April).

Source: iastate.edu

Video: How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a wheat breeder whose path meandered from the breadbaskets of Punjab, India, to the sprawling fields of the Prairies. In a candid conversation, Brar shared insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the undying passion that fuels his quest for better crops.

It all began with a childhood rooted in the wheat fields of Punjab, where agriculture isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life. His fascination with wheat and its potential led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Punjab Agricultural University. It was during this time that he encountered the spectre of rust diseases, particularly stripe rust, which plagued the region’s wheat crops. Determined to combat this menace, he set his sights on a journey that would take him across continents.

Venturing abroad for his graduate studies, he found himself in Saskatchewan at the Crop Development Centre (CDC), working under the mentorship of renowned researchers like Randy Kutcher and Pierre Hucl. Here, he delved deep into the world of wheat genetics, focusing on stripe rust resistance — a quest that would shape his academic pursuits for years to come.

After completing his master’s and Ph.D. in six and a half years, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him traverse academia and research. From brief stints as a research officer to landing his dream faculty position at the University of British Columbia’s Plant Science program, his career trajectory was marked by a strong drive to make a difference in the world of wheat.

Despite the allure of British Columbia’s unique agricultural landscape, he found himself wanting to return to the vast expanses of the Prairies, where wheat reigns supreme. He recently returned to the Prairies and is the new wheat breeder at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“The opportunity to lead an established wheat breeding program at the University of Alberta was a dream come true. With the necessary resources and infrastructure in place, I’m excited to drive innovation and develop high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to the unique conditions of northern Canada,” he says.

Brar, one of Seed World Canada‘s 2024 Next-Gen Leaders, has become known for identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and his efforts in developing wheat germplasm with multiple disease-resistant traits.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Brar is committed to mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists.

“I believe in nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their passions,” he says. “Watching my students grow and thrive in their research endeavours is hugely rewarding.”

As he looks ahead, Brar’s vision for the future of wheat breeding is clear: “My number one target is to develop high-yielding wheat varieties adapted to the northern climates of Canada. By focusing on early maturity and strong straw traits, we can maximize yield potential while ensuring resilience to environmental challenges.”

His decision to also join the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PGDC) executive as member-at-large came from a desire to play an even more important role in the world of Canadian cereals.