I. Introduction
A. Introduction of the Redbay Beetle
1. Xyleborus glabratus
2. Characteristics of Beetle
3. Attach stressed, decaying, or dead trees
B. Where did the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle migrate from?
1. Native to Asia
2. Family Lauraceae
C. Migration to the US
1. Import of wood
2. Quick to spread and target other trees
II. Effect on the Redbay Tree
A. Redbay Tree (Persea borbonia)
1. Host to Redbay Beetle
2. Evergreen trees
3. Atlantic and Gulf Coast Plains of the U.S.
4. Range of environments
B. Ecological use
1. Animals
2. Examples
C. Commercial use
1. Hardwood
2. medicine
3. food seasoning
III. How Fast is it Spreading?
A. How does it spread?
IV. Current Issues
A. Other species of trees being affected
1. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum Nees) Trees
2. Pondspice (Litsea aestivalis (L.) Fernald) and Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia) Trees
3. Avocados (Persea americana)
B. Effects of the Ambrosia Beetle attacking avocado trees.
V. Ecological Impact
A. How is habitat affected if redbay trees disappear?
VI. Economic Importance of Redbay trees
VII. What is being done to prevent further spreading?
VIII. Conclusion