One Step Ahead of EAB: A Genetic Conservation Program for Ash in Minnesota Andrew David, Associate Professor Department of Forest Resources University of Minnesota and Mike Reichenbach, Extension Educator University of Minnesota

Overview Minnesota Seed Collection Initiative Ash tree identification Seed collection

EAB – Status of knowledge Lack of an effective biological control All ash species impacted Virtually all tree sizes susceptible No known natural resistance Based on these facts it is prudent and proactive to prepare for an invasion of EAB in Minnesota.

Preparation for EAB Minnesota Department of Agriculture EAB readiness team EAB scientific advisory group 1 st Detector trainings Ash seed collection program Systematic sampling strategy Opportunistic strategy

USDA NRCS The Minnesota Ash Seed Collection Initiative Work with the Natural Resource Conservation Service Rose Lake Plant Materials Center in Michigan Seeds will be stored at the USDA Agricultural Research Service facility in Colorado

Ash seed collection Goal Protect the genetic variation of Minnesota’s ash resource by collecting open pollinated seed and creating an ex situ seed bank Who will collect the seed Research team Volunteers

Ash Tree Identification - Terms Opposite Alternate Palmate Pinnate Sessile Petiolate Petiole Rachis No Petiole

USDA NRCS Ash Trees vs. Other Trees Branching Opposite or Alternate? Alternate = NOT an Ash Opposite = Ash, Maple, Dogwood, or Buckeye Leaf Arrangement Pinnate or Palmate? Palmate = NOT an Ash Pinnate = Ash or Boxelder Number of usual leaflets per leaf? 3 – 5 leaflets, usually 3 = Boxelder leaflets, usually 7 = Ash

Black Ash Leaves are inches long with 7-11 pointed- oval, finely-toothed leaflets. Leaflets are smooth dark-green, leaflets tight against rachis Black ash grows feet in height depending on the soil type. Black Ash seed USDA NRCS

Green Ash Green Ash seed Green Ash tree Leaflets on short petiole USDA NRCS

White Ash White Ash seed White Ash tree Leaflet on short petiole Pale underside of leaflet USDA NRCS

Black ash Green ash White ash Comparison of black, green and white ash seeds R.P. Karrfalt, 2006

USDA NRCS Seed collection Selecting the tree When to collect What to collect How to handle the seed Packaging Labeling Shipping

Selecting the tree Not all trees produce seed White and green ash male & female flowers on separate trees -- dioecious Black ash Male and female flowers can be found on the same tree -- monoecious Flowering at the base of new growth in the spring From which trees should seed be collected

Ash flowers are formed at the base of the new growth each spring. R.P. Karrfalt, 2006

The flowers and immature seeds are indicators that seeds will be available in the fall. R.P. Karrfalt, 2006

Collect seed from “wild” trees. Landscape trees, in parks, along streets, and in yards are not good candidates. R.P. Karrfalt, 2006

Seed collection When to collect September through December. Fruit normally ripens August through September but will sometimes remain on the tree until the following spring What to collect Collect 1 – 2 cups of fruit (samara) from each tree or group of trees at each site. Keep samara from each collection site and species separated. Do not pick samara from the ground

Seed collection How to handle collection Place harvested seeds into a cloth or paper bag Label the bag to identify the sample Complete ash seed collection form and attach to seed bag Store seeds under cool, dry conditions until shipment Send samples to USDA-NRCS Rose Lake Plant Materials Center 7472 Stoll Road East Lansing, MI

Additional Information Ash seed collection website – Handout materials Ash seed collection information Ash identification Information Ash seed collection instructions and collection forms

Minnesota ash genetic conservation research team Andrew David – PI, UMN Mike Benedict – District forester, BIA David Ellis – Curator, USDA ARS NCGRP David Heinzen, Director RA, MN DNR Rick Klevorn, State Silviculturist, MN DNR Mike Reichenbach, Extension Educator Kathy Haiby – Field plot coordinator Egon Humenberger – Assistant Scientist Julie Hendrickson – Master’s student