The problem being addressed in this research project, EMERALD, is the imminent threat of the emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) to European ash (Fraxinus spp.) forests. This invasive insect, native to North America, is a major destructive pest of ash trees and has the potential to cause significant ecological and economic damage in Europe. The project aims to develop novel techniques for early detection of emerald ash borer and discover resistance traits in host plants to mitigate the impact of the invasion.
The importance to society is multifaceted. One, the conservation of the three European Ash species is of both ecological and economically importance. Euorpean ash (F. excelsior) serves as a keystone species in many ecosystems supporting dozens of other organisms in forests and these trees have significant commercial value in the wood products industry, particularly among furniture and tool handles. The invasion of emerald ash borer threatens the survival of these trees, and their decline can lead to extinction cascades of other species that rely on them. Two, ash decline in Euopre is already threatedn from a pathogen and a second invasive pest threatens a cascading effect on biodiversity, affecting all the organisms that rely on ash trees for their habitat needs. This research can help preserve biodiversity by mitigating the impact of emerald ash borer. Three, the economic impact is high in many parts of Euorpe where ash is a commonly planted street tree and can consist of high percentages of forest. The ash wood industry is economically significant further loss of these tree species is detrimental to the industry. Early detection and management of emerald ash borer can help reduce economic losses. Four, while traditional methods for detecting and managing invasive forest pests is important, they are often time-consuming and expensive. The development of rapid, DNA-based detection techniques can enhance the efficiency of early detection and monitoring the spread of EAB. Finally, understanding the mechanisms of resistance crucial, if we can deter or reduce the damage of EAB in ash trees then we can breed more resistant trees that creates a more sustainable and environmentally friendly methods to control EAB and reduces the need of pesticides.
The overall objectives of the EMERALD project can be summarized as follows:
1. Improve Early Detection for wood boring insects.
2. Enhance Trap Design with improved lures for EAB.
3. Characterize Host Plant Resistance of ash trees against EAB:
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4. Promote Collaborative Research
Overall, the EMERALD project addresses a pressing issues with invasive pests and pathogens by combining a mixture of innovative techniques that are proactive from an early pest detection tool for immediate use to long term prospects of developing resistant plant lineages from host plant resistance research. The outcomes further the goal to protect European ash species, preserve biodiversity, protect forests and wood products industry, and improve the overall health of European forests.
