Insects, Diseases, and Invasive Plants - SRS-4552

Mission

To provide the basic biological and ecological knowledge and innovative management strategies required for management and control of native and non-native insect pests (including bark beetles and termites), pathogens and invasive plants in changing forest ecosystems.

Our research falls under four broad  problem areas:

1. Wood Destroying Insects

   The U.S. is one of the world's leading consumers of wood and wood products. It is imperative that we to protect wood in use from insect pests. Of the wood-destroying insects, termites pose the greatest threat to wood in use. Independent efficacy data are required for the registration of all termite control products containing insecticides.
   
   a.   Independent efficacy data for termiticide registration.
   Unit will conduct standard six year field evaluation of potential termiticides or baits.
   
   b.   Treatment effects on pest biology, ecology, and behavior.
   Unit will examine biological and toxicological effects of termiticides and alternatives.
   
   c.   Biology and ecology of wood-decomposing insects in natural habitats.
   Unit will investigate roles of termites in wood decomposition, define associated forest habitat characteristics and identify forest infestations of Formosan termites.

2. Native and non-native tree diseases

3. Diseases have profound economic and ecological effects. The organisms that cause them are influenced by management practices and ecological conditions. Our mission is to conduct the research necessary to provide the scientific basis for management of diseases in our forests to insure that we retain both their productivity and diversity.
   
   a.   Ecological processes and interactions in disease susceptibility and severity under various management regimes
   Unit will examine the Leptographum/Ophiostoma fungal complex associated with decline and mortality in pine stands after fire reintroduction.
   
   b.   Association of exotic beetles and pathogenic fungi.
   Unit will study an extremely destructive association between an Asian ambrosia beetle and an Ophiostoma sp fungus.

4. Bark beetles and invasive insects

5. The southern pine beetle is the most destructive insect pest in southern forests. While at endemic levels, bark beetles serve as natural agents of tree mortality. At epidemic levels these, and other, bark beetles pose serious threats to forest ecosystem health. In addition, southern forests have undergone an onslaught of invasive species. Hemlock woolly adelgid is already established within the southern United States. Other non-native insects (the emerald ash borer, the Asian longhorned beetle, the pine shoot beetle, and especially the European wood wasp, Sirex noctilio ) are already established in the northeastern and north central portions of our country. Insects and diseases are also major factors impacting pests in seed orchards, nurseries and managed stands. Although pests receive the most attention, insects and fungi may also be integral to the functioning of healthy forest ecosystems.
   
   a.   Ecology and biology of bark beetles and invasive insects.
   Unit will focus especially on native invasive insects such as southern pine beetle. The effects of inter-relationships among bark beetles, mites, and fungi will be examined.
   
   b.   Management of bark beetles and invasive insects of southern conifers.
   Unit will examine alternatives to licensed synthetic pesticides such as novel insecticides and semiochemicals.
   
   c.   Detection and management of exotic invasive insects.
   Unit will cooperate in foreign exploration for new predators, and assist in their release, for control of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. Unit will also continue studies on detecting and monitoring exotic bark and wood boring beetles.
   
   d.   Impacts of insects and diseases on seed orchards and nurseries.
   Unit will continue to conduct the research necessary to reduce the impact of these pests on our forests through integrated management. Unit will develop a spray timing models for key pest species and examine alternatives to methyl bromide.
   
   e.    Effects of forest management on insect and fungal diversity.
   Unit will examine effects of large dead wood on insect and fungal diversity. Unit will examine interactions of pollinators with plant diversity. Unit will study effects of stand conditions on arthropod prey of red cockaded woodpecker and other birds.

6. Invasive plants
   

7. Forests in the southern US are is characterized by high productivity anddiversity. Exotic plant invasions can dramatically alter these forests. By 2040 the acreage in pine plantations is projected to double, as will the expansion of non-native plants. Many forest management objectives are best accomplished with the use of herbicide. A lack of understanding of forest herbicides jeopardize their continued availability to forest managers.
   
   a.    Risks and benefits associated with the forest herbicides.
   Unit will compare environmental risks and benefits for vegetation management alternatives.
   
   b.    Non-native invasive plant species control and management.
   Non-native and even some native invasive cause billions of dollars in lost forest productivity Prevention, early control and containment, and monitoring techniques are needed. Unit will d evelop vegetation management treatments, prescriptions, and strategies for control of invasive plants.