It always amazes me how something so small can cause so much trouble. Walnut Twig Beetles (Pityophthorus juglandis) are 1.5mm to 2mm long, basically the size of a flea and they have managed to shut down interstate commerce (at least to some extent). Think I am overstating the impact? The folks at Don't Move Firewood have put together some great videos on this very subject!
We are working with scientists from the University of Tennessee and Cornell University this summer testing several methods to control infestations of Walnut Twig Beetle and reduce the impact of the associated fungus (Geosmithia morbida) that causes Thousand Cankers Disease on black walnut (Juglans nigra).
A special thanks to Robert Camp of UT-Knoxville for putting together the Walnut Twig Beetle key pictured above.
