MITPPC blog

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

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.

Researcher Mike Schuster and collaborators have changed the outlook of buckthorn invasion in Minnesota, using native biodiversity to their advantage.

Using plant breeding and remote sensing, researchers have developed new ways to decrease the negative environmental effects of managing soybean aphid.

Scientists have made progress unraveling the pathogen that causes tar spot in corn crops. Their work enables deeper research and provides growers with knowledge to fight it.

New research harnesses satellite imagery of reflected light from tree canopies to detect and monitor oak wilt, ultimately helping to protect forests.

In 2023, 14 research projects came to a close for MITPPC teams with an astounding amount of discoveries made. Invasive species issues in agriculture, forest health, prairies, wetlands, and invasive species risk assessment were addressed.

Robert Blanchette's lab focuses on developing novel tools to proactively detect and manage deadly, invasive plant pathogens before they can rip through Minnesota’s forests.

In answer to the LCCMR's 2024 call for proposals, MITPPC requested $7 million to fund up to 15 new, high-priority terrestrial invasive species research projects. Watch or read the transcript of MITPPC's presentation to the LCCMR.

According to new research from MITPPC scientists, common buckthorn seeds only live in the soil for 1 or 2 years, not 6 as commonly thought.