Completely Arbortrary Evolutionary Naïveté (Blue Ash)
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Jan 22, 2026 Dive into the remarkable survival story of the blue ash as it withstands the emerald ash borer invasion. Learn about its unique square stems and the chemistry behind its blue dye. Discover the evolutionary history of ash trees and why blue ash demonstrates resistance to pests. The hosts debate planting ashes post-invasion and explore the long-term evolutionary potential of this resilient species. With insights into tree defense strategies and biodiversity, it's a fascinating look into nature's surprises.
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Blue Ash Survives Ash Borer
- Blue ash shows unusually high survival to emerald ash borer compared with other ashes.
- Studies report about 87% of blue ash trees retained healthy canopies where others were largely killed.
Mechanisms Of Resistance
- Blue ash resists emerald ash borer via faster callus formation and tougher cambial chemistry.
- Larvae develop slower and create fewer, smaller galleries, reducing mortality.
Borers Avoid Blue Ash
- Female emerald ash borer moths preferentially avoid blue ash when selecting egg sites.
- This suggests detectable chemical cues make blue ash less attractive as a host.
