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

Insects, Diseases and Invasive Plants

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 –Sirex Woodwasp

Redbay Ambrosia Beetle Xyleborus glabratus Female - Native of southeast Asia - First in US in Georgia Uncommon, not deadly in Asia - Carries a wilt fungus

Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Laurel Wilt Xyleborus glabratus - Redbay Ambrosia Beetle Laurel wilt fungus, Raffaelea lauricola

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

Treatment Evaluation Committee

INVASIVE PLANTS Photo Courtesy of Patrick Waldrop

Native Range Introduced Sirex noctilio

Sirex Woodwasp Sirex noctilio

Sirex noctilio Detected in North America in Oswego County, NY in 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

Biological Control – Trap Trees

Addressing the Problem Basic biology Biological Control Molecular genetics (insects/plants) Resistance/ Conservation Plant Genetics Restoration Ecology/Silviculture Environmental Economics Education and Outreach