Eradication is the deliberate elimination of a species from an area. Given that international quarantine measures can never be 100% effective, surveillance for newly arrived populations of nonnative species coupled with their eradication represents an important strategy for excluding potentially damaging insect species. Historically, eradication efforts have not always been successful and have sometimes been met with public opposition. But new developments in our understanding of the dynamics of low-density populations, the availability of highly effective treatment tactics, and bioeconomic analyses of eradication strategies offer new opportunities for developing more effective surveillance and eradication programs. A key component that connects these new developments is the harnessing of Allee effects, which naturally promote localized species extinction. Here we review these developments and suggest how research might enhance eradication strategies.

Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), an invasive phloem-feeding pest, was identified as the cause of widespre

Emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), has killed millions of ash (Fraxinus sp.) trees in North America since it

Emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), an invasive pest native to Asia, has killed millions of ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees in North America since it was first discovered there in 2002. As of autumn 2011, A. planipennis has been detected in 15 US states and two Canadian provinces. A pilot project to slow the onset and progression of ash mortality, termed SLAM (SLow Ash Mortality), has been implemented in localized A. planipennis populations. Here we use spatially explicit simulations to evaluate the potential of a recently developed systemic insecticide to protect the ash resource in urban forests as a component of the SLAM approach. Over a 10-year horizon, simulations showed ash survival varied depending on: (i) how soon insecticide treatment began after the A. planipennis introduction; (ii) the proportion of trees treated; and (iii) the distribution of treated trees relative to the A. planipennis introduction point. Annual treatment of 20% of ash trees annually protected 99% of trees after 10 years, and the cumulative costs of treatment were substantially lower than costs of removing dead or severely declining ash trees.

Effective methods are needed to protect ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) from emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), an