MITPPC blog

The new crown rust on glossy buckthorn

An enemy reunion

August 25, 2021

Nick Greatens, PhD student, suspects a deadly game of matchmaker could help eradicate invasive species.

An aerial view of Lake Superior at sunset.

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund invests $8.75 million in invasive species research at the University of Minnesota

July 21, 2021

The support allows the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Pests and Plants Center and the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center to continue improving and protecting Minnesota's natural, aquatic, and agricultural resources.

moth Lymantria dispar on a leaf

A statement on removing harmful common species names from MITPPC communications

July 21, 2021

At the MITPPC, we have begun removing the common names for the moth Lymantria dispar and the ant Aphaenogaster araneoides from our communications. We will be replacing them on an ongoing basis with their scientific names across our communications channels until new common names are chosen for these species. 

Common Tansy

MITPPC requests public input on high-priority species

April 13, 2021

The Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center conducts a biennial research needs assessment which includes public input from stakeholders.

spotted wing drosophila

Spotted Wing Drosophila: The Small Fruit Fly That Causes Big Problems

April 13, 2021

MITPPC researchers are diving deep into the possibilities of integrated pest management for spotted wing drosophila using an economic lens, a project that has spanned five years and will conclude this year.

palmer amaranth

U of M researchers develop 99.9% accurate genetic test for early detection of Palmer Amaranth

April 5, 2021

Researchers from the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center and Colorado State University have developed a new test for identifying Palmer Amaranth that is more robust, easier to use, and — most importantly — has shown 99.9% accuracy.

Emerald Ash Borer marks on tree

U of M scientists discover attacking fungi that show promise against emerald ash borer

March 17, 2021

New research from the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center shows a possible path forward in controlling the invasive pest that threatens Minnesota’s nearly one billion ash trees.

photograph of the corn tar spot pathogen on a corn leaf

Tracking Tar Spot: Protecting Minnesota’s Corn

February 17, 2021

The Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC) is tracking a new invasive fungus, corn tar spot.