by Carolyn Bernhardt
February 3, 2025
In 2024, faculty, staff, postdocs, and students published 14 papers on research funded by the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC). Each of these papers represent the culmination of years of collaborative dedication to invasive pest and plant management. Their findings move the needle on developing new diagnostic tests, pinpointing new species, establishing novel management tactics, mapping invasive plant spread, and more.
Here at MITPPC, we are deeply proud of this work and sincerely grateful for financial support from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources.
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2024 published research findings
Unpacking the human-driven spread of invasive European earthworms
Researchers identified key human activities spreading invasive earthworms, including fishing bait disposal, agriculture, composting, horticulture, and development. They note that the extent of each activity's impact is understudied and call for more research to better understand how these activities contribute to earthworm transport and spread.
Baumann, T. T., Frelich, L. E., Van Riper, L. C., Yoo, K. (2024). Anthropogenic transport mechanisms of invasive European earthworms: A review. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-024-03422-2
Land use influences the spread of common tansy
Researchers studied how environmental factors influence the spread of common tansy in Minnesota. Key factors for tansy spread include land use and soil type. The study highlights how environmental differences, rather than just dispersal limitations, drive ongoing invasions and range shifts.
Briscoe Runquist, R., Moeller, D. A. (2024). Isolation by environment and its consequences for range shifts with global change: Landscape genomics of the invasive plant common tansy. Molecular Ecology, e17462. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.17462
Forecasting the limits of gene drives in replacing harmful populations
Scientists explored threshold-dependent gene drives (TDGDs) as a safer tool for controlling pest populations. They tested two engineered fruit fly lines designed to prevent hybrid survival. The study revealed unexpected differences in reproduction, mating behavior, and temperature-dependent performance, emphasizing the need for thorough testing due to unpredictable results.
Janzen, A., Pothula, R., Sychla, A., Feltman, N. R., Smanski, M. J. (2024). Predicting thresholds for population replacement gene drives. BMC Biology, 22(1), 40. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-024-01823-2
Warmer temps and less rain affect fungal communities in young pine trees
This research examined how warming temperatures and reduced rainfall affect ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi and tree hosts. Understanding these interactions helps anticipate climate change impacts on forest ecosystems. Researchers conducted a long-term experiment in northern Minnesota, testing two tree species with different drought tolerances. They found that the less drought-tolerant species had reduced growth and fewer ECM fungi, while the more drought-tolerant species maintained growth but experienced shifts in its fungal community.
Nieves, D. J., Reich, P. B., Stefanski, A., Bermudez, R., Beidler, K. V., Kennedy, P. G. (2024). Ectomycorrhizal fungal community response to warming and rainfall reduction differs between co-occurring temperate-boreal ecotonal Pinus saplings. Mycorrhiza. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00572-024-01169-1
A quick and simple test to confirm oak wilt
Researchers developed a rapid, cost-effective diagnostic tool for detecting oak wilt that provides results in 30 minutes with the naked eye. This tool offers a fast, reliable option for field diagnosis, with potential for broader use in plant pathology and oak wilt management. Read more about the oak wilt test.
Novi, V. T., Aboubakr, H. A., Moore, M. J., Zarouri, A., Juzwik, J., Abbas, A. (2024). A rapid LAMP assay for the diagnosis of oak wilt with the naked eye. Plant Methods, 20(1), 119. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13007-024-01254-8
Novel techniques for tracking Heterobasidion root disease
This doctoral research focused on improving methods for trapping windborne spores and monitoring Heterobasidion root disease (HRD). By testing various spore traps, researchers sought to optimize detection while balancing cost and accuracy. DNA sequencing of trapped spores revealed the spread of HRD from Wisconsin to Minnesota, indicating potential infection centers in Winona County. Read more about tracking tree pathogens.
Rajtar, N. N. (2024). Investigations of potential plant pathogens in forests and nurseries in Minnesota and fungal diversity studies in the Ecuadorean Amazon. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses. https://www.proquest.com/docview/3081982642/abstract/5038EA93E17446C9PQ/1
Detecting soybean aphid infestations with satellite data
This study explored the use of Sentinel-2 satellite data to detect soybean aphid infestations in large-scale fields. The goal was to improve pest management by expanding remote sensing capabilities, which are traditionally limited to small plots, to broader landscapes. Through three steps, including simulations with caged plots and actual field data, the team developed a model that achieved 91% accuracy in classifying soybean aphid infestations, providing a valuable tool for more efficient pest monitoring and management
Ribeiro, A. V., Lacerda, L. N., Windmuller-Campione, M. A., Cira, T. M., Marston, Z. P. D., Alves, T. M., Hodgson, E. W., MacRae, I. V., Mulla, D. J., Koch, R. L. (2024). Economic-threshold-based classification of soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, infestations in commercial soybean fields using Sentinel-2 satellite data. Crop Protection, 177, 106557-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2023.106557
Using physiology and light reflection to recognize oak wilt and drought
Researchers developed remote sensing tools to detect oak wilt and drought stress before visible symptoms appear. They created models that accurately distinguish between oak wilt and drought, which identified early signs of stress 12 days before symptoms were visible, improving chances for timely treatment. This breakthrough offers a powerful way to protect oak ecosystems, which are crucial for biodiversity and valued economically and ecologically. Read more about oak wilt detection.
Sapes, G., Schroeder, L., Scott, A., Clark, I., Juzwik, J., Montgomery, R. A., Guzmán Q, J. A., Cavender-Bares, J. (2024). Mechanistic links between physiology and spectral reflectance enable previsual detection of oak wilt and drought stress. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(7), e2316164121. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2316164121
Replanting wild rye to help control invasive buckthorn in forest understories
Experts tested whether seeding native plants, especially native grasses with an emphasis on wild rye (Elymus sp.), in areas managed for buckthorn could reduce the invasive shrub’s re-establishment. Seeded plots had 47% fewer and 81% smaller buckthorn plants, suggesting that seeding native grasses can help suppress buckthorn regrowth and reduce future management needs.
Schuster, M. J., Wragg, P. D., Roth, A. M., Bockenstedt, P., Frelich, L., Reich, P. B. (2025). Revegetation of Elymus grasses suppresses invasive Rhamnus cathartica in deciduous forest understories. Ecological Engineering, 210, 107438-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2024.107438
Replanting the understory to bolster the effects of prescribed burning in managing common buckthorn
Researchers found that seeding grasses and forbs before prescribed burns improved fire spread and effectiveness in controlling common buckthorn. The increased grass cover enhanced fire behavior, making the burn more successful in removing buckthorn. Combining restoration seeding with prescribed burns offers a more effective control strategy than either method alone.
Schuster, M. J., Wragg, P. D., Roth, A., Reich, P. B. (2024). Understory revegetation enhances efficacy of prescribed burning after common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) management. Natural Areas Journal, 44(4), 206–214. https://doi.org/10.3375/2162-4399-44.4.206
Analyzing the effects of entomopathogenic fungi on emerald ash borer eggs
This study tested entomopathogenic fungi for their ability to kill emerald ash borer (EAB) eggs. Three fungi strains showed significant effectiveness in killing EAB eggs and larvae, suggesting which microbial control could best disrupt the pest’s life cycle. Future research should explore the impact on larvae and field applications.
Simeto, S., Held, B. W., Showalter, D. N., Bushley, K. E., Blanchette, R. A. (2024). Ovicidal effect of entomopathogenic fungi on emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, eggs. Forests, 15(12), 2170. https://doi.org/10.3390/f15122170
Advancing disease management research by introducing a new method to inoculate corn with tar spot fungus
This study developed a method to inoculate corn with Phyllachora maydis, the fungus responsible for corn tar spot. The researchers successfully initiated the disease in field settings, observing fungal growth 19 days after inoculation. These findings improve the wider understanding of tar spot development and support future research for better management strategies.
Solórzano, M. J. E., Subbaiah, M. A., Floyd, M. C., Kleczewski, D. N. M., Malvick, D. D. (2024). Foliar inoculation of Phyllachora maydis into corn induces infection and local spread in field environments. Plant Disease. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-02-24-0367-SC
Promoting inclusive education and outreach in invasive species’ common names
This study developed guidelines for selecting inclusive, non-stigmatizing common names for invasive species to improve education and outreach efforts. By offering alternative names for invasive pests, the researchers aim to reduce harmful associations with geographic locations. The guidelines promote broader adoption and can assist others in creating inclusive materials.
Weber, M., Gupta, A., Phelps, N., Jensen, D., Venette, R. (2024). Invasive species common names: Working towards more inclusive invasive species education and outreach. The Journal of Extension, 62(3), Article 11. https://open.clemson.edu/joe/vol62/iss3/11
Probing the impact of oak wilt and its management in forests of the Lake States
This dissertation explores the management and ecological impact of oak wilt on North American oak forests. The research demonstrates that the "root rupture" method effectively controls oak wilt, but pathogen persistence in roots poses future risks. It also highlights shifts in plant communities and challenges for oak regeneration.
Yang, A.M. (2024). Management and Impacts of Oak Wilt in Lake States Forests. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses. https://www.proquest.com/openview/08fc050f597d5db3a9a2d7d7ef32bdc0/1?pq