Responses of two introduced larval parasitoids to the invasive emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) infesting a novel host plant, white fringe tree: Implication for biological control

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis is a buprestid species native to Asia, where it pest of trees, Fraxinus spp. Since was accidentally introduced the United States in 1990s, this beetle has become one most destructive invasive pests North American trees. In 2015 found attacking white fringe tree, Chionanthus virginicus, indicating potential for host range expansion. This study evaluates responses two larval parasitoids, Spathius agrili and S. galinae, EAB larvae infesting novel plant. Third fourth instar reared with tropical laboratory were inserted into green tree bolts. Infested bolts exposed gravid females both under no-choice galinae choice testing conditions. No-choice indicated no difference parasitism rate on between either parasitoid species. Two-choice also when an option. Sex ratio brood size unaffected by substrate EAB, but emerged sooner can be successfully parasitized These results indicate that have attack tree.