UW-Madison researchers are involved with several research projects focusing on the emerald ash borer.  These projects range from biological control efforts to insecticide options for protecting ash trees from EAB.

EAB research by Dr. Chris Williamson and P.J. Liesch (UW-Madison Entomology Department) has focused on evaluating and developing insecticide management strategies.  The Williamson lab has been conducting field trials at sites in the greater Milwaukee area and other locations in the state since 2009. While insecticides are not a cost-effective option for large areas, recent work has shown that many of the commercially-available insecticide products for homeowners and professional arborists can be effective in preserving the health of individual trees.  For a list of available insecticide options, see the factsheets on the EAB News and Resources Page.  The Williamson lab does not have any research trials in 2018.

Previous research in Dr. Ken Raffa’s forest entomology lab, focused on the behavior of native and introduced parasitic wasps of the Emerald Ash Borer. A better understanding of how native generalist, and introduced specialist, parasitic wasps find and react to the immature stages of the beetle will provide further insight into how to effectively target the destructive pest.  Dr. Raffa’s research group has been involved with the release and monitoring of parasitoid wasps in the state starting in 2011.  The biological control releases are an ongoing partnership between the Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (WI DATCP), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR), UW Madison, and the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).  The Wisconsin DNR has had several additional releases of parasitic wasps for biocontrol purposes over the past few years.