10/05/2026
Exciting research recently published in the ISA's Journal of Arboriculture & Urban Forestry explored the efficacy of commercially available strains of the biological control bassiana against various life stages of the invasive . Researchers tested direct (contact) applications, as well as indirect and residual exposure.
Key findings: This fascinating entomopathogen can be highly effective against SLF under field conditions, with strain GHA achieving up to 95% mortality in adults after 2 weeks when applied directly as contact sprays. Limited control was seen in egg masses and by residual applications. Questions of ideal temperature, humidity, application frequency, and non-target impact remain, yet this study advances our understanding of how mycoinsecticides may fit into sustainable SLF management programs in the .
Congratulations to our Dr. Chris Riley and his co-authors from U.S. Department of Agriculture-ARS, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and University of Maryland on this valuable contribution to invasive pest management research. We appreciate Dr. Eric Clifton for the amazing images and his significant contributions in the research of .
Full research, open-access (free!) here: https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2026.023
