Entomopathogenic nematodes associated with the Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), in Connecticut,USA
Degree Year
2016
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Environmental Studies
Advisor(s)
John E. Petersen
Committee Member(s)
Yolanda P. Cruz, Chair
Roger H. Laushman
Keywords
Entomology, Biological control, Nematode, Invasive species, Emerald ash borer
Abstract
The emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis), is a serious threat to the survival of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in North America. Various control methods have been used to eradicate the EAB, but none have been sufficiently successful. The work described in this thesis is a preliminary survey of parasitic nematodes associated with EAB, with the intent of beginning to gauge their potential as biological control agents. 447 EAB adults were collected in the summer of 2015 in Connecticut and subsequently dissected to detect the level of parasitization by nematodes. Four of these beetles were found to be parasitized by nematodes. Attempts to identify collected nematodes were based on morphological examination and sequencing of 18s and 28s rRNA genes. While one of these seems unlikely to have potential as an effective biological control agent, the others are still worth pursuing in future research.
Repository Citation
Katz Kahn, Alexandra, "Entomopathogenic nematodes associated with the Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), in Connecticut,USA" (2016). Honors Papers. 976.
https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/honors/976
