Minnesota's Department of Agriculture (MDA) recently detected the emerald ash borer (EAB) in McLeod County, marking its first presence there. This discovery brings the total number of affected counties in the state to 42, McLeod included.
The initial suspicions arose when an MDA employee, east of Hutchinson, observed ash trees showing potential EAB symptoms. After investigating, the employee found EAB larvae and gathered samples. Federal tests then confirmed it was indeed the emerald ash borer.
Minnesota first encountered EAB in 2009, where young larvae harm ash trees by burrowing beneath bark and feeding on nutrient channels. Woodpeckers are attracted to these larvae, indicating their presence. Burrowing can cause bark cracks, revealing distinct S-shaped patterns.
Given this new finding in McLeod County, the MDA has declared an emergency quarantine. This action restricts transporting firewood and ash materials out of the affected area. The primary reason for such quarantines is to minimize the chances of this destructive insect spreading further.
For the residents and tree care specialists in McLeod County, the MDA has organized a virtual information session. This online meeting is set for September 12, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. MDA experts will brief attendees and also entertain questions. Interested individuals can sign up at www.mda.state.mn.us/eab.
The public is encouraged to share thoughts on officially adding McLeod County's emergency quarantine to the state's established quarantine list. Feedback is open until October 2, 2023. The MDA plans to finalize this quarantine by October 6, 2023.
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Categories: Minnesota, General