Releasing adult Spathius galinae for EAB biocontrol.

EAB biocontrol releases in Wisconsin will continue in 2017. Wisconsin first released parasitoids to help control emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in 2011. Our first releases in northeastern Wisconsin occurred in 2016 when we released the two larval parasitoids Tetrastichus planipennisi and Spathius galinae, as well as the egg parasitoid Oobius agrili. These parasitoids are incredibly small, but they find EAB larvae and eggs just fine, helping to reduce the population of EAB. These parasitoids will not stop EAB, but they are an additional tool we can use to slow the population growth.

Locations in Wisconsin where EAB parasitoids have been released 2011-2016. Map created by Bill McNee.

Written by: Linda Williams, forest health specialist, Green Bay (Linda.Williams@Wisconsin.gov), 920-662-5172.