Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center

Controlled burns are an effective way to suppress invasive buckthorn regrowth following removal, however, there is often not enough fine fuel left for a productive burn. In a recent paper, forest scientists describe that a combined approach of herbaceous seeding (to increase fine fuel) AND burning is a more powerful method of buckthorn suppression than either passive restoration or seeding alone. Read the open access paper: https://lnkd.in/guzKtCZj Congrats to authors Michael Schuster, Peter Wragg, Alex Roth, and Peter Reich on the publication. Thanks to the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for funding. CFANS | U of M College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Our colleagues at FMR are hiring a Restoration Project Manager. This is a great opportunity to work with an organization doing critical work for the environment.

MITPPC researchers tested 9 fungal strains for effects on eggs of emerald ash borer (EAB), and found 3 to be effective at killing the eggs. This shows continued promise for fungal biocontrol as a management option for EAB. Congrats on the new publication to authors Sofía Simeto, Benjamin Held, David Showalter, Kathryn Bushley, and Robert Blanchette! The research was supported by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. CFANS | U of M College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences University of Minnesota Department of Plant Pathology https://lnkd.in/gA8y8PNj

Researchers Ratnasri Pothula, Michael Smanski, Nate Feltman, Ph.D., and others are developing new genetic engineering technology to manage the invasive spotted wing drosophila (SWD) without the use of toxic insecticides. Their novel approach involves altering the genetics of the flies to disrupt reproduction and could be applied to other organisms. Although genetic engineering can spark skepticism, researchers have found strong support for their method including from regulators, Indigenous groups, and the public. This line of research is supported by MITPPC through the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Article written by Carolyn Bernhardt. https://lnkd.in/gEhUjUip

“This is one way we can interrupt the seemingly endless cycle of buckthorn management that so many of our woodlands find themselves trapped within. It gives us an opportunity to choose a different path forward,” said Peter Wragg, a lecturer in the Department of Forest Resources, CFANS | U of M College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. This research was supported by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. https://lnkd.in/gX5XfV9R

An exciting opportunity is available for a Researcher 1 position specializing in cereal rust biology, population genetics, and host resistance. This role offers the chance to contribute to meaningful advancements in plant pathology and genetics. For more information, please click the link below. In addition, two undergraduate student job openings will be announced soon. Further details and application instructions will be provided shortly. https://lnkd.in/gxe3ZcJ3

On Wednesday, December 11 at 12:00pm CT, the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture is holding a webinar on transdisciplinary research challenges and opportunities. It's free, but registration is required. Speakers include: - Aparna Bamzai-Dodson, US Geological Survey North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center - Maeghan Brass, University of Michigan Water Center - Charlotte Hudson, Lenfest Ocean Program, Pew Charitable Trusts - Molly Hunter, Joint Fire Science Program - Moderated by Alison M. Meadow, University of Arizona, Office of Societal Impact https://lnkd.in/gpCBTkQ5

The University of Minnesota has achieved the top ranking among U.S. public universities and sixth globally in interdisciplinary science, according to the inaugural Times Higher Education review! This recognition highlights the university's leadership in addressing complex global challenges through cutting-edge, collaborative research. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3V8bTGK

PhD graduate Anna Yang studied management of the oak wilt pathogen, recently sharing findings in her dissertation. Yang examines the “root rupture” method, the long-term efficacy of oak wilt treatments, how long the pathogen survives in diseased root systems, and how the effects of the pathogen alters oak regeneration. Her dissertation is available to preview from ProQuest. Yang, A. M. (2024). Management and impacts of oak wilt in lake states forests. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses. https://lnkd.in/gdd5aqzr Photo: Oak wilt. Ryan Armbrust, Kansas Forest Service, Bugwood.org, CC BY-NC 3.0 US. Cropped.

Register for the 2025 Invasive Species Forum! The event is free to attend and fully virtual. You can expect to learn more about innovative invasive species management, community science, and species on the horizon. Save your virtual seat: https://bit.ly/40CwR47