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Invasive Species in Eastern Forests: Forest Service Research Efforts and Strategies. Dr. Kier D. Klepzig Assistant Director-Research Research Entomologist USFS - Southern Research Station. The Scope of the Problem. Many Threats Insects Diseases Invasive Plants Many Efforts
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Invasive Species in Eastern Forests: Forest Service Research Efforts and Strategies Dr. Kier D. Klepzig Assistant Director-Research Research Entomologist USFS - Southern Research Station
The Scope of the Problem • Many Threats • Insects • Diseases • Invasive Plants • Many Efforts • Eastwide, FS-wide • Much needs to be done
Southern Research Station SRS Mission: To create the science and technology needed to sustain and enhance southern forest ecosystems and the benefits they provide. Southern Pine Beetle and Invasive Insects - Ambrosia beetles, hemlock woolly adelgid, emerging threats Termites Diseases and Invasive Plants - Sudden Oak Death, Cogongrass
The Scope of the Problem • Current efforts • Redbay Ambrosia Beetle • SPB • Protection • Detection • Cogongrass • Biology • Eradiction What lies ahead • SirexWoodwasp
Redbay Ambrosia BeetleXyleborus glabratus • Native of southeast Asia • First in US in Georgia 2002 • Uncommon, not deadly in Asia • Carries a wilt fungus Female
Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Laurel Wilt Laurel wilt fungus, Raffaelealauricola Xyleborus glabratus - Redbay Ambrosia Beetle
SRS Research on RAB • Studying biology and host associations of RAB • Identifying hosts susceptible to wilt fungus • Developing baits and trapping system for RAB • Evaluating RAB population trends over time • Developing control strategies utilizing chemical attractants and insecticides. • Movement into other hosts (avocado)
Southern Pine Beetle SPB Prevention Program Millionth-Acre Ceremony
INVASIVE PLANTS Photo Courtesy of Patrick Waldrop
Sirex noctilio 1961 2001 1980 1994 1952 Native Range 1900 1990 Introduced
Sirex noctilio • Detected in North America in Oswego County, NY in 2004. Most of the highly susceptible species occur, and are ecologically and economically important, in the South.
The Good News – Something Can Be Done Growing healthy forests
Addressing the Problem • Basic biology • Biological Control • Molecular genetics (insects/plants) • Resistance/ Conservation Plant Genetics • Restoration Ecology/Silviculture • Environmental Economics • Education and Outreach