Forest damage from emerald ash borer. Credit: Bill McNee, Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources, Bugwood.org, CC BY-NC 3.0 US. Cropped and edited.
Background
Emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) is a deadly invasive insect threatening Minnesota’s millions of acres of ash trees and their associated biodiversity, environment, culture, and industry. Since EAB was first confirmed in Minnesota in 2009, the detection of EAB infestation has relied on visible inspection of woodpecker holes, yellowing leaves, and declining canopy. When ash trees show these symptoms, it is often too late to treat.
However, biological studies suggest that EAB infestation reduces leaf photosynthesis and transpiration before the yellowing of leaves, making these processes strong candidates for early detection of EAB. Recent advances in remote sensing allow scientists to monitor photosynthesis and transpiration from space continuously, yet until now, no studies have applied those remote sensing advances for EAB early detection.
Research questions
- How effective is remote sensing in detecting EAB years ahead of crown dieback?
- Regarding remotely sensed photosynthesis and transpiration, what are the signals for climate stresses (e.g. droughts and floods) and EAB infestation?
- How quickly does an infestation progress and spread spatially?
Practical implications
This research project will take a novel approach in applying remote sensing to early EAB detection. Researchers aim to provide land managers with the information needed to intervene early enough to treat ash trees, before it is too late. The project team will build on existing detection protocols in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Researchers will develop maps to help state agencies locate new infestations, as well as provide support for training and outreach on the remote sensing tools.
Findings
This project began in April 2025 and is in progress for the next several years. Please check back at a later time for updates.
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