D3082: Alternative management of the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) in South Carolina

The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB; Anoplophora glabripennis) is an invasive forest pest that was introduced to the United States through New York in 1996. The beetle can lead to mortality of host trees within 12 genera through larval feeding, with a preference for maple (Acer) trees. As larvae feed, they bore into the heartwood of trees, which cuts off nutrient flow and compromises the structural integrity of the hosts. ALB is largely a pest of the urban environment, but it has invaded natural forests as well. Within its invaded range, the goal is to eradicate ALB. Management of the pest in the United States has costed millions of dollars and includes efforts like surveys and host tree removals. The most recent state to detect an invasion of ALB is South Carolina. Not only is the South Carolina infestation the most southern, but it also represents a novel environment due to the presence of wetlands and swamps. In these wetlands, typical management practices involving heavy equipment, like chipping host trees, are not possible due to standing water and saturated soil. As such, alternative management of ALB is necessary in these areas. A previous study found that hand felling and leaving infested trees on the ground resulted in zero ALB survivorship, but more evidence is needed to support this method. Therefore, we will evaluate the use of hand felling and leaving infested trees for efficacy in preventing the development of ALB in environments where the use of heavy equipment is not possible.