2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objectives of this cooperative research project are (1) to investigate host selection, host colonization and the nutritional ecology of the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB), ANOPLOPHORA GLABRIPENNIS; (2) to identify ecological and behavioral traits vulnerable to intervention and development of detection, monitoring, biological control and other IPM strategies; and (3) to develop technologies and methodologies for optimally implementing these strategies into eradication and population management programs directed at ALB and closely related invasive insect pest species. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Complementary field and laboratory studies will be conducted. (1) Comparative studies of adult ALB behavioral responsiveness to characterized formulated host odor blends of ACER MONO, ACER NEGUNDO, ACER PLATANOIDES and ACER TRUNCATUM will be evaluated in an olfactometer under laboratory conditions at BIIRU. (2) Comparative studies of adult ALB behavioral responsiveness to ACER MONO, ACER NEGUNDO, ACER PLATANOIDES and ACER TRUNCATUM trees will be evaluated in an olfactometer under laboratory conditions at BIIRU. (3) Evaluate adult ALB behavior as a function of physiological and biological factors (e.g. pre vs. post maturation; mated vs. non-mated; pre vs. post oviposition). (4) Adult ALB attraction to olfactometer active blends will be evaluated under natural field conditions in China, including evaluation of formulation, blend ratio and attractive radius. This research will collectively complement our ongoing investigations of host selection by ALB and identification of artificial lures for detection, monitoring, management and eradication of ALB; and elucidate the mechanisms of host selection and colonization by ALB. 3.Progress Report Development of technologies for detection of incipient populations of ALB in the later stages eradication programs and during post-eradication is essential to prevent permanent establishment. Furthermore, development of technologies for containment of permanently established invasive populations of ALB is essential for suppression, management and slow-the-spread (STS) strategies. Under an SCA with the University of Delaware established in 2009 and in cooperation with the US Forest Service, exploration for native natural enemies of ALB was initiated within the newly discovered invasive population in Worcester, Massachusetts. Studies in 2009 focused on the overwintering generation of natural enemies across a continuum of landscapes (e.g. urban, suburban, forest) and a continuum of spatiotemporal aspects of this invasive population, specifically from the core to the leading edge of the infestation. The objectives and approaches used in these studies are coordinated with biological control studies of the Citrus Longhorned Beetles (CLB) conducted in Italy by the ARS European Biological Control Laboratory. These studies were monitored by conference calls and email communications.