Challenging Chinese hemlock (Tsuga chinensis) with hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) ovisacs

Abstract

Chinese hemlock (Tsuga chinensis) is a promising candidate for use as an ornamental tree in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States where native hemlocks have been devastated by hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). Published research has indicated that Chinese hemlock is adaptable to USDA Zone 6 and has some degree of resistance to hemlock woolly adelgid. Chinese hemlock has been observed to be resistant to hemlock woolly adelgid while growing in close proximity to infested eastern hemlocks, although a direct challenge of the species has not previously been documented. This study reports on the development of a procedure for challenging hemlocks with hemlock woolly adelgid ovisacs to determine host plant resistance and the use of the procedure to challenge Chinese hemlock. Chinese hemlock demonstrated complete resistance to hemlock woolly adelgid. © 2009 International Society of Arboriculture.