
New invasive species research projects starting in 2025
February 10, 2025
We have launched four new multi-year projects addressing critical invasive species issues including oak wilt, charcoal rot, soybean pests, and Phragmites grass.

2024 research highlights: Advancing invasive species management with groundbreaking findings
February 3, 2025
In 2024, faculty, staff, postdocs, and students published 14 papers that move the needle on developing new diagnostic tests, pinpointing new species, establishing novel management tactics, mapping invasive plant spread, and more.

Meet Sabrina Celis: An entomologist hunting down biocontrol options for brown marmorated stink bugs
January 13, 2025
A love for insects led PhD candidate Sabrina Celis to investigate how parasitoid wasps could work as a natural enemy against the invasive brown marmorated stink bug.

Apply for a grant from MITPPC in 2025
January 6, 2025
Our request for proposals is open January 6 through April 11, 2025. Help us tackle Minnesota's most critical invasive species threats.

Unlocking new routes to pest control: How bioengineered flies could transform agriculture
December 12, 2024
Genetic engineering of invasive spotted wing drosophila promises to provide a long-term, safe alternative to chemical pesticides for berry growers. This technology could be applied to other organisms such as invasive carp, or mosquitos.

New research shows grasses can fortify forests against buckthorn invasion
December 11, 2024
Researchers show that heavily seeding native grasses, like Virginia wildrye, alongside buckthorn removal efforts greatly reduces the number and size of new buckthorn able to resprout.

Reed canarygrass challenges longstanding invasive species management strategies
November 11, 2024
A UMN study found that reed canarygrass is a native species in Minnesota, necessitating a shift in management strategies. Researchers argue the national regulatory definition of invasiveness is oversimplified.

Researchers develop reliable, accurate test to identify Palmer amaranth seeds, now available for licensing
October 8, 2024
MITPPC researchers worked with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Colorado State University to develop a 99.9% accurate genetic test for Palmer amaranth seeds, enhancing detection and management strategies.

Legislative funds supporting invasive species research expire in 2025, but can be renewed
September 17, 2024
The ENRTF is a significant source of research funding for invasive species issues, but expires at the end of 2024. Minnesotans can vote to discontinue or renew it this November.

Tangled up in knotweed: the need for adaptive management
September 10, 2024
Researchers revealed that Minnesota's knotweeds issue is more complex than originally understood. They recommend adaptive management strategies to tackle infestations.