Biological Control of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) was discovered in southeastern Kentucky for the first time in spring of 2006. Since then, surveys have been conducted yearly to determine the number of infestations in the state and these results are updated each year in the NAPIS database. Initially, individuals from the University of Kentucky (UK) Department of Entomology worked with the USFS to conduct imidacloprid soil injections in sites such as nature preserves to protect the hemlocks. This method is not economically or logistically feasible. The best long-term option for control of HWA in Kentucky is biological control. Since 2008, we have been traveling to Seattle to collect Laricobius nigrinus beetles, obtaining the beetles from the Virginia Tech rearing lab, and, more recently, traveling to Banner Elk, North Carolina, where there has been great success getting the Laricobius beetles established. We are applying for funds that will allow us to continue and increase our biological control program for HWA in eastern Kentucky. 1. Travel to field sites to collect Laricobius nigrinus beetles. Travel to Banner Elk, North Carolina is much more economically and logistically feasible than travel to Seattle, Washington, so we plan for that to be our primary collecting site. 2. Contract with Dr. Richard McDonald for his assistance with this project. He may assist us with beetle collections, he may or collect beetles alone and ship them to us for release, and he will advise us on this project. 3. Release Laricobius beetles in Kentucky’s forests. 4. Evaluate the establishment of Laricobius in Kentucky. Methods may include sampling for adults in the field, dissecting ovisacs, and/or other techniques.