MITPPC blog

Long-term research reframes the ruminants’ role in woodland restoration.

As nightshades growing near key crops can harbor R. solanacearum, MITPPC-funded researchers are zeroing in on management tactics for preventing pathogen establishment. 

New research demonstrates when and how goats are best used to manage invasive common buckthorn in Midwestern woodlands.

In 2025, MITPPC researchers published 13 papers that advance understanding and management of invasive species across Minnesota.

Nine new research projects start this year, investigating invasive species including crack willow, black locust, oak wilt, Old World bollworm, and more.

Researchers found Phytophthora ramorum that causes sudden oak death in Minnesota for the first time. Fortunately, the finding was isolated, but early detection surveys continue. 

MITPPC is accepting applications for new research proposals in 2026, with up to $3.5 million available from the ENRTF.

Researchers in the Aukema Lab are investigating what helps and hinders establishment of mountain pine beetle to better anticipate their potential arrival in Minnesota.

A new study found that several species of parasitic fungi are effective at killing emerald ash borer beetles, one of the most devastating forest pests to ever hit North America. 

As the agricultural threat corn tar spot surges across the state, Minnesota researchers are not far behind.