Poster: Spatial patterns of ambrosia beetle flight into nurseries from adjacent woodlots in Ohio

The aim of our study was to better understand flight dispersal patterns of key ambrosia beetle species, Xylosandrus germanus, Xylosandrus crassiusculus and Anisandrus maiche from woodlots into adjacent nurseries. To do this, we set up a 5 x 5 grid with ethanol baited lures along the woodlot (0m) and every 20m into the nursery. We conducted this experiment from April – September, collecting traps every week, at four locations in Lake County, Ohio in 2022 and again in 2023. Our results show slightly more beetles overall in 2022 and some differences in populations of species among the locations; for example, Brotz S had a much larger X. germanus populations, whereas LoselyD had higher X. crassiusculus and A. maiche populations. Flight patterns also varied by beetle species – X. germanus captured decreased significantly even at just 20m into the woodlot whereas X. crassiusculus and A. maiche, although lower in overall captures compared to X. germanus, had similar captures at 20m and even out to 80m at some locations. These data highlight the importance of trapping and monitoring ambrosia beetle populations, specifically with regards to prominent beetle species. Growers with high populations of X. germanus should target the woodlot edge, whereas populations of A. maiche and X. crassiusculus may fly further into nurseries to attack vulnerable trees.