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January 2025
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Distribution + Diversity = Durability
The emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) has devastated North American ash trees since its 2002 discovery in Michigan. Spreading rapidly across the U.S. and Canada, the wood-boring insect has killed tens of millions of ash trees. More than 90% of infested ash trees eventually die, raising concerns surrounding extinction risk rates in North America tree species.
In response to this ecological crisis, researchers are working to identify and cultivate ash trees with genetic resistance to EAB infestations/attack and increasing temperatures.
The Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia) was selected as the target species to focus these goals on due to several qualifying factors. The Oregon ash was found to provide vital ecological functions, stabilize streambanks, shade waterways, and serve as a food source for wildlife. Previous research also revealed a significant genetic variation among Oregon ash populations between California to British Columbia. The genetic makeup was influenced by location, environmental adaptation, demographic history, and range connectivity. This variability could be key to developing the desired genetically resistant trees.
Researchers analyzed genomic data from over 1,000 Oregon ash trees across 61 populations. Their findings suggest that the patchy distribution of these populations may limit the species’ ability to adapt. Additionally, estimates of genomic change needed to adjust to future climates, or genomic effect, were highest in the northeastern range and lowest in the south, highlighting the importance of regional genetic diversity in conservation efforts.
This study is the first to use genetic data to help protect and restore Oregon ash. By identifying the most at-risk populations, researchers can try to improve breeding programs and give trees/forests a fighting chance. Analyzing and understanding patchy distribution (i.e. genetic variation) may aid widespread population survival but to for this to happen it is necessary to prioritizing the conservation of range-wide genomic diversity programs.
Read the Research: Melton et al., 2025
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Emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis). Credit: Leah Bauer, USDA Forest Service ,Northern Research Station, Bugwood.org
Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia), National Botanic Garden, Meise, Belgium. Credit: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, CC BY 3.0
Map of sampled populations (A), PCA results for SNPs from all samples (B), and PCA results for all samples excluding southern populations (C). Credit: Melton et al., 2025.
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Floating Flower Islands Set to Launch
The Village of Pinecrest, in Miami-Dade County, FL, is preparing to launch an innovative new pilot program that involves using floating flower islands to clean local waterways. The goal is to filter pollutants, remove invasive plants, and enhance water quality in canals while adding vibrant floral displays to the landscape.
The program is set to launch between mid-February and March, at which time two 500-square-foot floating platforms will be placed in predetermined canals. These islands will be planted with a mix of African marigolds, celosia, amaranth, and “experimental native species”. This collection of flowers has been carefully selected to ensure optimal absorption of nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) and other pollutants. Once flowers are in full bloom, rafts will display beautiful arrangements of pinks, reds, purples, and golds.
Too many nutrients in the water system can create an environmental imbalance, which can result in algae blooms and/or harm the aquatic life. Other than the filtration of pollutants, this program aims to reduce the presence of aquatic invasive plants present in the canals, such as hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). By reducing excess nutrients, the flower islands help mitigate hydrilla growth and reduce the need for herbicide use.
Eventually, the floating flowers are intended to be harvested and sold at the Pinecrest Farmers Market, where farmers and the public can engage by selling harvested flowers. Residents can learn about the project, support its growth, and take part in a cycle of environmental and community benefits. By combining sustainability, innovation, and public involvement, the Village of Pinecrest is setting a new standard for urban environmental solutions.
Read the article: Pinecrest Pilots Floating Flower Islands
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Native flowers selected for use in floating flower islands. Credit: Jazmin Locke Rodriguez, Phytoflora, FIU.
Floating flower island. Credit: Jazmin Locke Rodriguez, Phytoflora, FIU.
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Don’t Mess With Texas Citrus
TISI is offering FREE diagnostic services if you suspect your citrus has either the psyllid pest or the Citrus Greening pathogen, or you would like your citrus plants to be part of our screening survey.
The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) and the Citrus Greening pathogen (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus) are threatening citrus in multiple Texas counties. By taking samples and monitoring the spread, it is easier to ensure that you and your neighbors are not affected. This pest and pathogen are extremely detrimental to Texas citrus, both economically and agriculturally. The presence of either can greatly affect citrus yield.
If you are interested in having your citrus trees checked or being part of the survey, please contact invasives@shsu.edu. If you are located within 200 miles of our headquarters, we can collect samples and/or provide traps and monitoring services. Otherwise, we will send you easy step-by-step instructions so you can do it yourself. Not only will we share the results and management strategies (where applicable), but you will become part of a multi-county monitoring survey that strives to improve the health of Texas citrus!
Also Available: TISI offers educational workshops that highlight information about the Asian citrus psyllid, the pathogen Citrus Greening, and what you need to look out for in your own backyard. If you are interested in this, TISI will provide trapping materials, assist with management strategies, and more. Don’t waste another second- Help us stop the spread!
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Symptoms of citrus greening bacterium. Credit: Jeffrey W. Lotz, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, bugwood.org
Leaf mottle on grapefruit, a characteristic symptom caused by citrus greening bacterium but also seen on trees infected by Spiroplasma citri. Credit: J.M. Bove.
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North American Invasive Species Management Association Training Webinars
This program is designed to provide the education needed for professionals and students who are managing or learning to manage invasive species. The courses include the most current invasive species identification, control, and management techniques, and how to comply with local and federal regulations.
Participants may register and enroll at any time, and will receive a certificate of invasive species management from NAISMA upon completion of the program.
All live webinars are open to the public. Recorded webinars are available to members of NAISMA.
NAISMA 2025 Webinar Schedule:
- February 19, 1pm CST- Green Crab Invasion: Coastal Perspectives. REGISTER.
- March 19, 1pm CST- Canadian Biocontrol Experience: Past, Present and Future. REGISTER.
- April 16, 1pm CST- Spotted Lanternfly in North America: Insights, Impacts, and Preparing for the Future. REGISTER.
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2025 National Invasive Species Awareness Week
National Invasive Species Awareness Week is an international event to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread.
National Invasive Species Awareness Week, Feb. 24-28,2025, is hosted by NAISMA. Invasive species webinars on priority issues and topics from various professionals will be posted throughout the week (see below). For additional options and opportunities, visit the NISAW homepage.
- February 24, 12pm CST- The role of primary and secondary introduction pathway management in effective biosecurity. REGISTER.
- February 24, 1:30pm CST- Marine Biosecurity. REGISTER.
- February 25, 12pm CST- Biosecurity at USGS. REGISTER.
- February 26, 1pm CST- Strengthening Pacific Island Biosecurity: Insights to Slow the Spread of Invasives in a Changing Climate. REGISTER.
- February 27, 11am CST- VIDA Intergovernmental Risk Assessment & Response Framework for ANS Risk from Vessel Discharges. REGISTER.
- February 27, 12pm CST- Biosecurity and the US. Army Corps of Engineers. REGISTER.
- February 28, 9:30am CST- New World Screwworm 2025: Preparing for a U.S. Domestic Response. REGISTER.
- February 28, 12pm CST- Biosecurity at the Department of the Interior. REGISTER.
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Lone Star Healthy Streams workshop
Come out for the free Lone Star Healthy Streams workshop will be held on the Matagorda Basin Watershed and include Calhoun and Matagorda counties. The event which will focus on watershed health and best management practices for grazing livestock, weed management, and feral hogs.
Lunch will be included. Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education credits for pesticide applicators are available in the integrated pest management category.
Date: Feb. 15, 2025
Time: 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Office, Calhoun County, 186 Henry Barber Way, Port Lavaca, TX
RSVP or Contact: Hailey Hayes: hailey.hayes@ag.tamu.edu or Calhoun County: 361-552-9747
For more information, click HERE.
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Matagorda Basin Watershed. Credit: Cameron Castilaw, Texas Water Resources Institute.
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2025 Whooping Crane Festival
Texas Gulf Coast CWMA is getting ready for the Whooping Crane Festival at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve in Port Aransas on February 20-23, 2025.
Come visit the CWMA table and learn how to spot Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) and other invasive species in the area. While you’re there, enjoy the beautiful preserve, boating, and birding that relies on regular conservation efforts and education outreach.
If you would like to volunteer with CWMA at one of the Port Aransas Nature Preserve sites or at the Nature Preserve Texas Gulf Region CWMA booth, please register HERE.
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Whooping Crane Festival. Credit: Texas Gulf Coast CWMA.
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Invasive Spotlight:
Spotted Lanternfly
(Lycorma delicatula)
The spotted lanternfly (SLF, Lycorma delicatula) has been a growing concern to the agricultural community since its introduction in 2014. Since then, 18 states have had some degree of infestation. These planthoppers feed on economically important plants, which could lead to devastating losses in logging, fruit tree, and grape industries. It has 70 documented host plants, 25 of which grow in the U.S., such as: grape vines, apples, birch, cherry, lilac, maple, poplar, and stone fruits. The SLF seems to prefer the tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive tree present in most of the U.S. and is likely to establish itself wherever the tree-of-heaven is present.
The adult SLF is small (17-27mm) and cryptic, relying mostly on camouflage. The forewings are light brown with black spots, the base color darkens toward the tips of the wing. The hindwings, hidden when the forewings are closed, are bright red with black spots, with a white band separating the red from black tips. Immature lanternflies (nymphs) undergo four developmental stages (instars) that are black with white dots but start to produce red patches as they develop into adults. Adults and nymphs have piercing mouthparts that allow them to feed on the phloem of the plant. This can cause damage to stems and fruits, and leave weeping wounds that fill with sap. Large amounts of “honey dew” (insect waste) will gather at the base of the tree and blacken the soil in areas of infestations. Honey dew can produce mats of fungal mold which can damage the growth of or kill the tree.
SLF lay their eggs in masses, 35-50 eggs a case, multiple cases, then cover them with a brownish-gray waxy secretion. Lanternflies are generalist and will lay their egg masses on almost any smooth surface, such as tree branches, trunks, stones and bushes. Reports of egg mass removals have found them under cars, wooden pallets, in grills, on outdoor furniture, farm equipment and on buildings. Adults die after laying, and eggs hatch in the spring.
SLF has not been reported in Texas. Since the invasive tree-of-heaven and many of the other agriculturally important host plants preferred by this pest are found/grown in Texas, experts are staying vigilant. Efforts are focused on early detection to prevent the spread of the SLF to new locations. Eggs can be removed by scraping egg masses off trees and squished. Sticky traps, surveying, and citizen sighting report methods are currently the most effective lines of defense.
If you believe you have identified a potential spotted lanternfly, please REPORT IT! Submissions are appreciated, and we truly value your efforts and support.
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Spotted lanternfly (SLF, Lycorma delicatula). Credit: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
SLF. Credit: Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org
Fungal mat found at base of tree. Fungus is the result of sap flow and honeydew from SLF. Credit: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
Egg masses. Credit: Richard Gardner Bugwood.org
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Video Invasion
Enjoy monthly videos about invasive species and/or people willing to teach us more about them. There are some amazing citizens and professionals around the world that poke, prod, chase, dive, and investigate everything they can about these alien invaders. Jump into this cinematic rabbit hole. You never know what new wonders you may discover.
Invasive Plants & Restoration Ecology. SciShow Talk Show.
Join SciShow as they talk about work done with invasive plants, especially those that use toxic chemicals, rapid reproduction to outcompete native plants, and other aspects that make them difficult to treat. Next meet a few adorable invasive birds and learn how human industry combined with release has become a complicating issue for these birds.
Hunters: How to Clean, Drain and Dry Your Boat. Texas Parks and Wildlife.
You have an important role to play in protecting the lakes we love from invasive species like giant salvinia and zebra mussels. They can hitch a ride on your boat, trailer, or gear and spread to other lakes. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before traveling from one waterbody to another.
Adapting to Our Changing Climate: The Science of Native Plant Conservation. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
Watch a community Landscape Transformation project in action- exploring how changing climate is reshaping ecosystems. Dive into the science behind native plant conservation and observe a motivated group of volunteers working together to remove invasive species by applying different methods and working together to create a sustainable future.
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More News
A Disease Is Killing Ducks and Birds Across Houston and Harris County. Pets Can Become Infected Too.
Bird flu is rapidly spreading across Texas. Officials are urging residents to take precautions. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is warning residents to be aware that the disease now has multiple vectors. houstonchronicle.com
Zebra Mussels Eradicated from Local Drinking Supply but Survive Winter Weather
Georgetown, Tx, utility system has found a way to eradicate zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) from the drinking water and reduce mussel accumulation on certain pipes. kxan.com
USDA Allocates $129.2M To Combat Exotic Fruit Fly Outbreaks.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service allocated funds to respond to the threat and prevent the northward spread of the destructive pests. thepacker.com
Invasive Hedge Plants to Avoid – 5 Vigorous Species to Keep Out of Your Yard and What You Should Grow Instead
Invasive hedge plants can quickly grow out of control, cause damage to the home, or out compete other garden/yard plant. Avoid these five problematic invasives. homeandgardens.com
Calls To Curb Invasive Species Spread Via Untreated Water Transfer
Experts stress the risks of spreading invasive and non-native species when moving large volumes of untreated water during development projects and the need for better management plans, regulations, and awareness to establish/hope for a degree of improvement. sciencedaily.com
Climate Change Reshuffles Species Like a Deck of Cards, New Study Finds
It has been found that temperature changes due to climate change can have a destabilizing effect on a population that can accelerate as temperature continues to change. Diverse environments and human interference can also play a role in temperature effects. news.ucsc.edu
Climate Change Is Accelerating Forest Defoliation by Helping Invasive Species Spread
Computer models predict that warmer temperatures will limit the growth of a fungus that normally curbs the spread of the invasive spongy moth (Lymantria dispar), an invasive species responsible for causing millions of dollars in forest damage. biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu
UMaine Awarded $1.8M To Research Tick Mitigation Through Invasive Plant Management
Grant funding will support researchers from UMaine and Vermont State University in conducting a multiyear effort while they investigate tick removal strategies and collaborate strategies with local landowners. msn.com
Insect Army Winning Fight Against Invasive Water Hyacinth
The use of water hyacinth planthoppers (tiny goggas, Megamelus scutellaris) as a biocontrol for water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has provided a great deal of relief toward the infestation on Hartbeespoort Dam. New research coming out soon! ru.ac.za
Chameleon Shrimp Can Adapt Camouflage to Invasive Algae Species
Small shrimps from the genus Hippolyte can change green, red, brown, or transparent depending on the type of algae to camouflage themselves from predators. phys.org
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Sentinel Pest Network and Invaders of Texas Workshops
Invaders of Texas workshops train volunteers to detect and report invasive species as citizen scientists. Workshops, which are free, are designed to introduce participants to invasive species and the problems they cause, cover aspects of invasive species management, teach identification of local invasive plants, and train participants to report invasive plants using the TX Invaders mobile application. The workshop is 7 hours long (usually on a Saturday, but scheduling is arranged with each individual host group). The workshop satisfies Master Naturalist training requirements.
Sentinel Pest Network workshops serve to increase the awareness and early detection of a set of particularly important invasive species to help prevent their spread into Texas or their further spread within Texas. Participants learn to identify species such as the Emerald Ash Borer, Cactus Moth, Asian Longhorned Beetle, and other pests of regulatory significance, and to report them. The workshop is 3.5 hours long. The workshop satisfies Master Naturalist training requirements.
Upcoming Workshops:
N/A
CITRUS WORKSHOPS: Stay tuned for upcoming 2023 virtual weekend presentations about Citrus diseases and FREE testing we offer at Texas Invasive Species Institute.
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