Interesting story over at OregonLive.com about efforts by the state of Oregon to detect the presence of the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). This is some serious early detection monitoring we're talking about here - the EAB hasn't been seen anywhere near Oregon, yet the state has has been inspecting trees years. Now forty sacrifical young ashes have been planted around the Portland area to act as "trap trees." Each tree has been girdled and covered with a sticky substance to catch and keep insects that stop by - the perfect delectable treat for the beetle. The Oregon Department of Agriculture is hoping that the trap trees will act as an early warning system to let them know if the EAB enters their state.
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