Scientists link Asian beetle to import cargo wood packaging

Scientists link Asian beetle to import cargo wood packaging    Scientists have linked a species of Asian beetle recently discovered in a forest of northern Massachusetts to untreated wood packaging material used in imports.
   The scientists’ findings were reported in today’s Washington Post.
   This species of ambrosia beetle attacks only sick trees. However, scientists are concerned that the beetle carries a non-native fungus that could infect and kill trees.
   According to the Post, more than 20 non-native species of ambrosia beetles have entered the United States in the past 100 years.
   To control the spread of wood-eating insects, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Customs and Border Protection will begin enforcing regulations, starting Sept. 16, that require heat or methyl bromide fumigation of all imported wood packaging materials, including pallets, crates, boxes and dunnage used to support or brace cargo.