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FraxiProtec approved for emerald ash borer control in Canada

GDG Environment a subsidiary of the Kersia group is proud to announce that it has obtained registration from the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for its product, FraxiProtec, a new biological control method for the emerald ash borer (EAB).

GDG Environment is particularly pleased to be able to contribute to the promotion of a Canadian scientific discovery. “We are moving to the marketing stage in a context where the needs are critical,” says Mark Ardis, scientific advisor and business development.

In 2016, GDG Environment and researchers from INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier and Natural Resources Canada took steps to test the effectiveness of a method to control the emerald ash borer, using an auto-dissemination device for the fungus Beauveria bassiana isolate CFL-A called FraxiProtec. Since 2019 GDG Environment has continued its efforts to deepen various research questions related to the efficacy of the fungus, the registration and the development of the FraxiProtec label.

Therefore, due to this beautiful collaboration, we have a new tool in Canada for controlling EAB populations using a naturally occurring fungus from Quebec. Since the EAB is a new insect in our ecosystem, it has few diseases and predators. This invasive exotic pest is rapidly advancing and decimating North American ash populations.

This new auto-dissemination system controls EABs in the adult stage. The insect is attracted by the device, once in contact with the fungus Beauveria bassiana, it is released and free to contaminate and disseminate toxic fungal spores to other EABs during mating.

The installation of the devices is scheduled for early June. It is therefore not too late to tackle this problem. Arborists and other forestry professionals, do not hesitate to let us know your interest by contacting us. GDG Environment will provide technical support for the installation of the FraxiProtec traps.

Emerald ash borer

Originally from Asia, the emerald ash borer first appeared in the United States and Ontario in 2002, and in Quebec in 2008. It would probably have arrived in packaging or wooden pallets during the maritime transport of goods and would have found refuge in forests and cities to then spread through firewood and the exchange of plant material between nurseries. By gradually killing all ash trees, this exotic pest now poses a serious threat to the economy and the environment in urban and forest areas, even becoming a threat to human health.