Scientists from the United States Department of Agriculture confirmed today that The University of Toledo’s Stranahan Arboretum is the latest infestation site of the destructive Emerald Ash Borer.
The metallic green beetle is originally from Asia and was first identified in Ohio ash trees in February 2003. The beetle only infests ash trees, but eventually kills the entire tree.
According to Sandra Stutzenstein, arboretum program coordinator, only a small percentage of the arboretum’s trees will be impacted. “Out of the arboretum’s collection of more than 1,000 trees, only 30 or 40 are ash trees. The ash trees are a significant part of the ecosystem here at the arboretum. They will be missed,” said Stutzenstein.
Representatives from the Ohio Department of Agriculture added that they will begin a delimiting survey of the area to determine the severity of the infestation, and eradication will not be performed in the area until spring 2005.
