Deborah McCullough

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Professor, Forest Entomology
Department of Entomology

Bio

Dr. Deborah McCullough’s research focuses on the ecology, impacts and management of native and invasive forest insects. She has been at the forefront of invasive forest insect research since detecting and cutting down the first emerald ash borer–infested ash tree in 2002. Her work aims to understand relationships among forest insect populations, their hosts and natural enemies and climate, and to use this knowledge to develop practical, sustainable management strategies. Studies from her lab have informed federal, state and municipal policies in the U.S., as well as in Canada and Europe. Current field projects address beech bark disease, hemlock woolly adelgid, native longhorned beetle communities and insect pests affecting chestnut production. Her research results are regularly shared with resource managers, regulatory officials, arborists and other stakeholders to protect and enhance the health of forests.

Concentrations

Forest insect ecology and management
Invasive forest insects (Emerald ash borer, Beech bark disease, Hemlock woolly adelgid)
Forest health

Courses Taught

ENT407: Diseases and Insects of Forest and Shade Trees

Diseases, insects, and environmental problems affecting trees in forests, parks, suburbs and nurseries. Methods of control.

Research

McCullough’s research focuses on forest insect ecology and management, spanning studies that enhance understanding of forest insect biology, impacts and dynamics while generating practical solutions for pressing problems. Much of her work addresses invasive forest insects because of the economic and ecological costs of major pests. Her extensive research on emerald ash borer has examined detection and survey methods, population dynamics, host preference, ecological and economic impacts, options for protecting urban and landscape trees and strategies for area-wide management. Current projects evaluate stand conditions in post-invasion black ash forests to assess the long-term outlook for this forest type. Other studies examine climate and site factors affecting hemlock woolly adelgid, the progression of beech bark disease and insect vectors of oak wilt. Her lab also conducts an annual statewide survey to detect specific non-native woodborers introduced into Michigan, while providing key information on native longhorned beetle communities.

Extension

McCullough’s extension activities are closely integrated with her research on forest insect ecology and management. She provides practical guidance and objective information on emerald ash borer and other invasive forest insects to resource managers, regulatory officials, arborists, landscapers and property owners across North America and internationally. Her research and outreach efforts have played a major role in shaping perceptions of emerald ash borer and promoting integrated approaches to ash and forest pest management. She continues to direct the national EmeraldAshBorer.info website, recognized as a leading source of objective information on the pest.

Within Michigan, she frequently works with state agency personnel on issues related to invasive and native forest insects, serving in advisory roles on federal and state regulations, pest surveys and control tactics and silvicultural strategies to reduce pest damage or spread. She also collaborates with extension educators to provide training and answer questions for foresters, arborists, nature centers and chestnut or Christmas tree producers. Management recommendations for a wide range of pests, including sap-feeders, bark beetles, woodborers and defoliators are often developed from findings in her lab’s research.