February 10, 2025
With continued support from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC) launched four new research projects at the start of 2025.
These projects are the result of a competitive grant program, in which proposals are peer-reviewed before being recommended for funding. Each project addresses one or more invasive species that MITPPC has identified as a critical issue for Minnesota. This year, the species of focus for the new projects include:
- the pathogen that causes oak wilt,
- invasive Phragmites grass,
- the pathogen that causes charcoal rot,
- and several insects that threaten soybean production.
The work will take place over several years, with expected completion in 2028. These interdisciplinary efforts are led by University of Minnesota faculty members and include research staff and students from the College of Biological Sciences (CBS), the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), and University Extension. Researchers will also collaborate with external organizations, like state and local agencies and private companies. These relationships are important because they enrich the work, and help guide research outcomes toward applicable, usable solutions for land managers.
We’re excited to kick off these new projects, and look forward to sharing progress and results.
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New project summaries
Oak wilt management: a changing landscape
Led by Rebecca Montgomery, PhD, Department of Forest Resources, CFANS
Oak wilt, caused by the fungal pathogen Bretziella fagacearum, is responsible for large-scale oak death. Natural oak regeneration after oak wilt treatment is an important part of maintaining oak forests, but other species often move in to replace oaks instead. Researchers seek to understand the conditions that foster natural oak regeneration, and when to recommend supplemental oak plantings in a management plan. The project will expand beyond limiting disease transmission to a more holistic examination of oak wilt management.
Revegetation for reinvasion resistance following Phragmites control
Led by Daniel Larkin, PhD, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, CFANS
Invasive Phragmites (Phragmites australis subsp. australis) is a tall, aggressive wetland grass that forms vast, monotypic stands in many parts of the US. In Minnesota, the species is controlled, but further work is needed to revegetate the landscape to prevent reinvasion. Researchers seek to develop revegetation guidelines for land managers to include it in their management plans.
Understanding the prevalence, impact, and biology of charcoal rot in Minnesota to inform management
Led by Megan McCaghey, PhD, Department of Plant Pathology, CFANS
Charcoal rot, caused by the fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina, is a significant disease of soybean and other crops like sunflower and corn. With increasing heat events in Minnesota, crops may be increasingly affected by this disease. Researchers will provide critical information to growers and the research community including providing tools for resistance screening and information on crop susceptibility.
Protecting soybean from invasive insects by integrating oilseed cover crops
Led by Robert Koch, PhD, Department of Entomology, CFANS, and Extension
Minnesota is a leading soybean producer in the US, but the attack of invasive pests poses challenges to production. Previous research has shown that cover crops like pennycress can reduce soybean aphid infestations in relay-cropped soybean. Leveraging experience learned from the Forever Green Initiative, researchers will experiment with a new intercropping system and share insights with the agricultural community.
Get funding from MITPPC
MITPPC has a request for proposals open through April 11, 2025. There is $4 million available. UMN faculty, staff, and postdocs are eligible to apply as principal investigators. We’d love to hear from you!
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