Microbial Control of the Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) Using Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) by the Means of an Autodissemination Device

Abstract

Abstract The FraxiProtec, an autodissemination device loaded with the fungus Beauveria bassiana isolate CFL-A, was tested in the field to evaluate its potential to infect emerald ash borer adults and reduce their populations. During the 2-yr experimental period, the dispersion of B. bassiana-infected adults was also documented to assess the dissemination capacity of the biocontrol agent beyond the treated areas. The mean percentage of infected emerald ash borer in 2017 and 2018 in 15 treated sites was 43.3 ± 2.9% and 39.7 ± 3.9%, respectively, and no significant variation was observed over the tested years. Furthermore, a 40% significant reduction of the mean emerald ash borer population growth per tree in treated sites was recorded when compared to the control sites. Emerald ash borer infected with B. bassiana isolate CFL-A were collected from baited sticky traps in the sentinel stations in the area surrounding the FraxiProtec-treated sites. Even at a distance of 125 m, an average of 9.4 ± 2.6% infected emerald ash borer were collected. Finally, exploratory analyzes were carried out on parameters such as the area to be treated, ash tree density, and FraxiProtec density to document potential relationships, which could be used in the determination of a prescription.