MITPPC blog

pennycress growing in a field with a person in the background

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.

woodland with young trees and a green forest floor

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.

three researchers pose for a photo in an apple orchard

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.

two researchers kneel in a forest to apply fungal innoculum to a cut stump

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.

scientist in a lab coat poses for a photo next to a high-tech camera system

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.

dry wildrye grass seed head in a forest setting

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 on a shoreline with three empty rowboats

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.

researcher in a white lab coat working at a lab table

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.

three researchers discuss palmer amaranth plants in a pot

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.

a man stands in front of a tall, wide overgrowth of blooming knotweed

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.