LONDON, June 21, 2007 In an effort to minimize the number of ash
trees killed by the emerald ash borer (EAB) in urban areas, Natural Resources
Canada (NRCan) in partnership with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA),
the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the City of London, will
undertake a research project in London beginning June 21, 2007. The purpose of
this exercise is to evaluate tools to manage the insect in urban settings.
"Our Government supports the health of our urban landscapes through
innovative projects such as pest control research," said the
Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. "Our scientists are
using biotechnology to develop this environmentally friendly
solution which will bring practical benefits for Canadian communities."
"The emerald ash borer is one of the most devastating pests introduced into
North America. In only a few years, this population has caused significant ash
tree mortality in Southern Ontario," said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister
for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board.
"The CFIA remains fully committed to exploring all reasonable science-based
means to prevent its spread and protecting Canada's environment."
Approximately 300 trees within the area under Notice of Quarantine in the
City of London will be treated with an innovative new product called Neem in
order to kill the emerald ash borer larvae that feed under the bark. The
insecticide will be injected directly into the trunks of ash trees, thus there
will be no direct exposure to humans or animals. Neem is a natural product
extracted from the seeds of the Neem tree. Scientists with
Natural Resources Canada have developed the particular formulation of Neem used
for these injections and have collaborated with an industrial partner to develop
the injection system.
It is hoped that this research will prove that Neem could be useful in
managing the emerald ash borer in some situations. There is no expectation that
it will affect significant control in large scale outbreaks, but it could prove
effective in prolonging the life of high value trees in urban areas.
The emerald ash borer is native to Asia and currently only infests a
relatively small part of Ontario. Efforts undertaken by the CFIA
and its partners to slow its spread to other areas of Canada, where ash trees
are common, are vital. This is being achieved through controlling the artificial
movement of the emerald ash borer by regulating the movement of material that
can transport the pest to new areas.
To deal with this pest effectively, the CFIA and its partners will continue
to investigate the biology of the insect, develop methods for early detection
and, on the basis of sound scientific information, develop an effective control
program.
The CFIA is continuing to co-operate with federal, provincial and municipal
partners and other government agencies, including the United States Department
of Agriculture, to develop strategies to control the emerald ash borer and
prevent its spread to other areas of Canada.
Additional information on emerald ash borer is available on the
CFIA web site
at
www.inspection.gc.ca.
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For information:
Kathleen Olson
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
Ottawa
(613) 996-2007
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations: (613) 228-6682
