MITPPC blog

reed canarygrass and glossy buckthorn infected with crown rust

A crown rust fungus could help manage glossy buckthorn and reed canarygrass

March 5, 2024

Though some crown rust fungi are known to cause widespread damage to oat and barley crops, new research suggests a close relative of these major pathogens may be a valuable asset in managing glossy buckthorn and reed canarygrass.

cadaver of emerald ash borer beetle covered in fungal growth

Entomopathogenic fungi may be the key to biocontrol for emerald ash borer

February 16, 2024

MITPPC researchers blaze a trail toward effective biocontrol for emerald ash borer. They’ve identified fungi associated with the beetles that are capable of attacking and killing EAB.

researcher working at a computer

Publication roundup: 25 papers in 2023

February 15, 2024

In 2023, researchers with MITPPC including faculty, research staff, postdocs, and students published 25 new works investigating issues in terrestrial invasive species.

researcher in a lab coat in a lab with a test tube

Kicking off 13 research projects in 2024

February 13, 2024

Newly-funded research teams investigate invasive species issues involving oak wilt, Phytophthora, jumping worms, Japanese beetles, non-native Phragmites, honeysuckle, and more. See what's new in 2024.

aerial view of oak wilt experiment

Innovative detection system allows researchers to differentiate oak wilt and drought

February 6, 2024

Oak forests play a vital role in our ecosystem, providing climate regulation and erosion control across North America. However, these forests face compounding threats from drought and oak wilt, and it can be challenging to tell these two issues apart. 

researcher stands next to a hybrid barberry plant in a field surrounded by trees

Novel tool helps pinpoint elusive hybrid barberry and map its spread

January 16, 2024

Researchers developed a method to identify hybrid barberry, an invasive plant that can carry rust diseases dangerous to wheat and small grain crops.

aerial photo of an agricultural field showing rows of crops

Satellites and AI could help farmers detect soybean aphid infestations

January 8, 2024

New U of M research found that remote sensing paired with artificial intelligence could dramatically improve management of invasive soybean aphid.

four researchers pose in a field next to a sign warning of wild parsnip

Request for proposals in 2024 for new research projects

January 2, 2024

MITPPC is accepting pre-proposals for new research projects on priority terrestrial invasive species until April 30, 2024.

wild parsnip plant

Increased number of species eligible for research

December 20, 2023

We've expanded the list of species eligible for research funding in preparation for the new year.

researcher tests an assay in a lab

Innovations for oak wilt detection and containment

December 15, 2023

The threat of oak wilt to Minnesota forests is alleviated by University of Minnesota research innovations: a novel assay for the field, hyperspectral imaging of canopies, and a study on root-cutting protocols.