▶ Your Answer :
In the reading, there is ample support for the author’s claim that there are several options to solve this problem with regard to the emerald ash borer. However, the professor in the lecture gives several reasons as a rebuttal to the author’s point.
First of all, the professor argues that removing trees is not an effective method. The professor explains that the application of the method may only work in urban areas since there are too many trees in a forest. This refutes the reading passage’s argument that it is easiest to simply remove the infested trees because affected trees have unique holes in its surface, and its bark is distorted. The writer also contends that this method can stop the spread of these beetles to nearby unaffected trees.
In addition, according to the lecturer, the chemical treatment is highly problematic. The lecturer says that the chemical substance can result in the groundwater contamination and disrupt the circulatory system of trees. This casts doubt on the reading passage’s claim that since the chemicals are absorbed by their roots, this prevents adult borers from laying their eggs and kills off larvae that are already present.
The final point made by the lecturer is that the biological pest control has a lot of problems. The professor explains that parasitic wasps are not an efficient method since they tend to greatly depend on the region. Moreover, since parasitic wasps are non-native insects, they are likely to kill other insects. This counters the reading passage’s assertion that parasitic wasps in Asia kill borer larvae by laying their eggs in them. Furthermore, the author contends that releasing more of these wasps into the environment should considerably contract the population of borers.
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