Invasive Species in Eastern Forests: Forest Service Research

Efforts and Strategies

Dr. Kier D. KlepzigAssistant Director-Research

Research EntomologistUSFS - 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 StationSRS 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 BeetleXyleborus glabratus

Female

- Native of southeast Asia

- First in US in Georgia 2002

- 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 BeetleSPB Prevention Program Millionth-Acre Ceremony

Treatment Evaluation Committee

INVASIVE PLANTS

Photo Courtesy of Patrick Waldrop

Native Range

Introduced

Sirex noctilio

1994

1990

2001 19801961

1952 1900

Sirex WoodwaspSirex noctilio

Sirex noctilio• Detected in North America in Oswego

County, NY in 2004.

Most of the highly susceptible speciesoccur, and are ecologically and economically important, in the South.

The Good News – Something Can Be DoneGrowing 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