Invasive Species in Eastern Forests: Forest Service Research Efforts and Strategies Dr. Kier D. Klepzig Assistant Director-Research Research Entomologist USFS - Southern Research Station
The Scope of the Problem Many Threats –Insects –Diseases –Invasive Plants Many Efforts –Eastwide, FS-wide –Much needs to be done
Insects, Diseases and Invasive Plants
Southern Research Station SRS Mission: To create the science and technology needed to sustain and enhance southern forest ecosystems and the benefits they provide. Southern Pine Beetle and Invasive Insects - Ambrosia beetles, hemlock woolly adelgid, emerging threats Termites Diseases and Invasive Plants - Sudden Oak Death, Cogongrass
The Scope of the Problem Current efforts –Redbay Ambrosia Beetle –SPB Protection Detection –Cogongrass Biology Eradiction What lies ahead –Sirex Woodwasp
Redbay Ambrosia Beetle Xyleborus glabratus Female - Native of southeast Asia - First in US in Georgia Uncommon, not deadly in Asia - Carries a wilt fungus
Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Laurel Wilt Xyleborus glabratus - Redbay Ambrosia Beetle Laurel wilt fungus, Raffaelea lauricola
SRS Research on RAB Studying biology and host associations of RAB Identifying hosts susceptible to wilt fungus Developing baits and trapping system for RAB Evaluating RAB population trends over time Developing control strategies utilizing chemical attractants and insecticides. Movement into other hosts (avocado)
Southern Pine Beetle SPB Prevention Program Millionth-Acre Ceremony
Treatment Evaluation Committee
INVASIVE PLANTS Photo Courtesy of Patrick Waldrop
Native Range Introduced Sirex noctilio
Sirex Woodwasp Sirex noctilio
Sirex noctilio Detected in North America in Oswego County, NY in Most of the highly susceptible species occur, and are ecologically and economically important, in the South.
The Good News – Something Can Be Done Growing healthy forests
Biological Control – Trap Trees
Addressing the Problem Basic biology Biological Control Molecular genetics (insects/plants) Resistance/ Conservation Plant Genetics Restoration Ecology/Silviculture Environmental Economics Education and Outreach