Skip to main content
ARS Home » Northeast Area » Newark, Delaware » Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #415543
Research Project: Biology, Ecology, Genetics, and Genomics of Introduced Species for Biological Control of Invasive and Other Insect Pests

Location: Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit

Title: The Ecology, Economics, and Management of Agrilus Beetles

Author
item Duan, Jian
item JOHNSON, TODD - Louisiana State University
item O'DEA, JUSTIN - Washington State University
item PETRICE, TOBY - Us Forest Service (FS)
item HAACK, ROBERT - Us Forest Service (FS)

Submitted to: Current Forestry Reports
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/30/2024
Publication Date: 9/24/2024
Citation: Duan, J.J., Johnson, T.D., O'Dea, J.K., Petrice, T.R., Haack, R.A. 2024. The Ecology, Economics, and Management of Agrilus Beetles. Current Forestry Reports. 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40725-024-00230-8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40725-024-00230-8

Interpretive Summary: The invasion of the United States and Canada by the emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis) has devastated the North Ameican ash (Fraxinus) resources. Many other Agrilus species like EAB can also become potentially invasive pests. We review the ecology, economic impacts, and management strategies of Agrilus worldwide and highlight research gaps. Much has been learned in decades about the basic biology and control tactics for EAB and a few other Agrilus species. Our review should be of interest to scientists and managers interested in the impacts of invasive species like EAB on ecosystems, ecosystem services, and natural resources.

Technical Abstract: The invasion of North America by Agrilus planipennis has caused severe economic and ecological damage to ash (Fraxinus) resources. Agrilus planipennis has now entered eastern Europe and is spreading. Many other Agrilus species can become potentially invasive pests. We review the ecology, economic impacts, and management strategies of Agrilus worldwide and highlight research gaps. Much has been learned in decades about the basic biology and control tactics for a few Agrilus species, especially A. planipennis. The genus Agrilus has over 3,341 described species, making it the largest genus in the Animal Kingdom. Most Agrilus are univoltine and have a narrow host range. Chemical, tactile, and visual cues of host plants are used by adult Agrilus to select suitable hosts for oviposition. Most Agrilus larvae develop within the cambium region, constructing galleries that effectively girdle the host plant. Mechanisms of host plant resistance are being explored. Diverse groups of natural enemies attack all life stages of Agrilus species, with some Asian parasitoids being used successfully to suppress A. planipennis in North America. Climate change, leading to warmer and dryer conditions, will influence the distribution and population dynamics of many Agrilus species. Many research gaps still exist in the areas of biocontrol, host plant resistance, and development of sustainable management strategies against this important group of plant pests.