Leading the way to prevent and control terrestrial invasive species
The Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center was founded by the Minnesota Legislature and started operating in 2015 to research the prevention, detection, and control of terrestrial invasive species. They cost Minnesota abut $3 billion annually, and can wreak havoc on Minnesota’s agricultural resources, forests, prairies, and wetlands.
MITPPC is the only research center of its kind in the country. Our researchers have accomplished a lot in MITPPC's first 7 years, from inventing a tool to diagnose oak wilt on the spot to creating a new line of soybeans that are resistant to aphids. Every day, our researchers use transformative science to find pragmatic solutions to terrestrial invasive species issues that will have results far beyond Minnesota.
Funding
Financial support for MITPPC is largely provided by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative and Citizen Commission for Minnesota Resources.
If you're a researcher, learn how to apply for funding. We provide grants to UMN faculty, staff, and postdocs.
Benefits of a "Center" approach
- We prioritize research on the greatest terrestrial invasive species threats to Minnesota based on a scientific process.
- We bring together multidisciplinary researchers from across the University and partners from around the state.
- We take a programmatic approach that makes thoughtful, worthwhile investments to solve complex problems.
Where we fit at the University
The MITPPC is administratively part of the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences. We work cooperatively with the College of Biological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, and College of Science and Engineering.
Our researchers are drawn from throughout the University of Minnesota system, including the ten Research and Outreach Centers and University of Minnesota Extension.