The use for drones in research seems to be expanding. A group of researchers have successfully combined artificial intelligence (AI) with the application of commercial drones to monitor a high priority agricultural pest.

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB, Halyomorpha halys) is a notorious nuisance in fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, and ornamental crops in North America and South Europe (more info and description here). The traditional methods for monitoring BMSB and other invasive insects are pheromone traps, visual/manual sampling, and sweep netting. These methods can be effective, but they have drawbacks. They can be time consuming, labor intensive, and can be difficult/ineffective over a large area. Sweeps and traps are also non-bias forms of sampling- meaning your target is not the only thing that will be dead in your sample (even with targeted pheromones). A common complaint about traps used in the field is they become filled too quickly, spilling over, which requires them to be filled more regularly. This would be great if they were all target invasives, but they are often not. This can leave the researchers and the micro-populations of the area overtaxed.

In the hopes to find a more time and energy friendly method, a group of researchers in Italy turned to drones. An automated flight protocol was developed that could be controlled by a mobile app to capture high-resolution images up to a height of eight meters. They then sent the drones soaring across pear orchards. BMSB seemed less disturbed by the drone presence. Adults would react to the drones by exhibiting a freezing response. Perfect for a high-resolution image. The images were used to train and test AI models to detect and quantify the presence of BMSB. AI learning models with pre-existing recognition capacities outperformed models trained from scratch. The highest performing model achieving a “detection accuracy” of 97%.

This application has the potential to be adapted to collect images of other crops. The researchers involved in the study said this method could also be used to monitor other insects, but new models would need to be trained. There are exciting possibilities.

Read the research: Giannetti et al., 2024

**BMSB has been detected in limited areas of Texas. This species is known for the ability to move rapidly to new locations by hitchhiking on vehicles and planes. Therefore, state authorities are still on alert for this invasive, especially around the Rio Grande area. If you believe you have seen a brown marmorated stink bug, please take a picture, note your location, and REPORT IT! here.

Leaving Native Species in The Dust

The world is constantly in flux. Everything is moving and changing around us, every moment of everyday. Whether it changes on a personal, political, geographical, astronomical, biological, metaphysical… the list goes on. Small scale or large-scale Changes. It’s inevitable and they can happen fast. But what if you had to stay ahead of those changes to survive?

A new study has calculated the estimated distance plants and animals need to be shifting per year to keep up with the increasing temperatures and associated climatic shifts to thrive and survive. As the climate changes, range change and the speed at which it happens could matter. However, the calculated estimates at which non-native species are shifting is mind boggling in comparison, in large part because of human involvement.

Using previously published papers and publicly available data to evaluate how far and fast native and non-native species have been shifting, it has been estimated that native land-based plants and animals need to shift their ranges by 3.25 kilometers per year. Native marine species need to shift 2.75 km/yr. However, it seems they are only managing to move an average of 1.74 km/yr.

On the other hand, non-native species are spreading across ranges at a much faster speed- 35 km/yr. This is range movement calculated without human intervention. Important attention was placed on all data showing how humans are either intentionally (hitchhiking on shipping containers) or unintentionally (buying invasives from a nursery) helping to accelerate the spread of non-native species. When inadvertent/advertent human roll was included in the calculation, the estimated spread of non-native species across ranges jumps to 1,883 km/yr. The data suggests that even ‘sedentary non-native plants’ are moving 3x faster than native plant species.

The researchers found that plant nurseries were notorious for exacerbating the climate-driven spread of invasives and plead caution when plant shopping. They also proposed there is no chance for native species to keep up without human help.

Read the research: Bradley et al., 2024

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 is striving 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!

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 2024 Webinar Schedule:

• July 17, 1pm CST- Chondria tumulosa impacts to coral reefs in Hawaii. REGISTER.
• August 21, 1pm CST- Dutch Elm Disease and Resistance. REGISTER.
• September 18, 1pm CST- Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. REGISTER.

Currently found in 17 eastern and midwestern states, the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF, Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive pest that feasts on economically important fruit crops.

A small population of juveniles SLF was reported in Michigan and verified by the USDA. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed this is the second report of SLF made and confirmed in the state. Individuals and infestations are monitoring through public reports and survey traps deployed by Michigan State University, as part of collaborative survey initiatives with MSU, MDARD, and the USDA. The survey is a critical part of ongoing efforts to identify and limit the spread of the SLF. With multiple confirmed reports, authorities will continue to assess the situation and evaluate the collected data to determine the appropriate response.

Spotted lanternfly moves easily on firewood, tires, campers, vehicles, nursery trees, shipping creates, and more. Prevention and early detection is vital to mitigate the spread. If you believe you have seen a spotted lanternfly, please take a picture, note your location, and REPORT IT! here.

Trying to stay informed can sometimes feel like a full-time job. With an endless stream of information coming from directions it can be overwhelming. When it comes to invasive species information, we would like to try to help lighten the load. Here is a starting point, with sources that list Texas and U.S. invasive and prohibited species, some management practices, and other resources that can help you get started.

TexasInvasives.org Invasive Species Database
Texas Invasive Species Institute

Federal Noxious Weed List- USDA APHIS
Noxious Plant List -Texas Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Invasive Species Profile List -National Invasive Species Information Center (TDA USDA)
Prohibited/Controlled Exotic Aquatic Species – Texas Parks and Wildlife
IPAUS - Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States
Additional resources and fact sheets- TexasInvasive.org

Texas Parks and Wildlife have recently designated the Town Center Pond in Early, Tx, as “infested” with invasive zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). This pond is a small, 7-acre community fishing spot near Brownwood. Multiple size classes of zebra mussels were detected in the pond. These mussels were likely introduced when the pond was filled with water from the nearby infested Lake Brownwood. Motorized boat access in the pond is currently restricted.

TPWD emphasized how important it is for boaters, water craftsmen, and the general public to Clean, Drain and Dry all boats and watercraft equipment before transporting them, and to remain vigilant to stop the spread of aquatic hitchhikers. If you believe you have seen a zebra or quagga mussels, please take a picture and REPORT IT! here.

Invasive Spotlight:

Brown Tree Snake
(Boiga irregularis)

The brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) is a slender, tree climbing snake with a head that is considerably larger than the neck. They have large eyes with vertical pupils. These snakes are brownish to yellow and can have either vague or distinct blotches, or black speckling. Hatchlings measure 38cm, while adults can grow from 1-3 meters long.

The brown tree snake climbs virtually any tall vertical cylinder using lasso locomotion. The snake loops its body around a cylinder or tree, crossing part of its body/tail around itself (at least once), and points the head and neck upward. Throughout the ‘body loop’, small bends form to provide the propulsive mechanism that moves part of the body uphill, while simultaneously shifting grip and maintaining balance with the head. Upward movement is a slow, calculating, and demanding. This allows the brown tree snake to climb vertical supports that are “too smooth” or “too wide” for other snakes (view more here).

Guam has been struggling with the damaging consequences of the invasive brown tree snake since their introduction in the 50s. The snakes have decimated the bird and herpetofauna population, which has caused a “cascading” effect to occur throughout the ecosystem. Many species of lizards and birds have been driven to extinction. The snakes also cause costly power outages and power surges when they climb up power polls and across electrical wires. Ongoing research and tireless efforts are directed toward the environmental and economic damage caused by these invaders.

The brown tree snake has also been reported in Alaska, Hawaii, Oklahoma, and Texas. For more information, see the TexasInvasives.org species page. If you believe you have seen a brown tree snake, please email a picture and location information to invasives@shsu.edu. We will review your report and get back to you as swiftly as possible. Citizen Scientists are often our first line of defense. We appreciate your diligence and dedication.

Get Involved Today!!

The Texas Invasive Species Institute (TISI) and The Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies (TRIES) has many surveys and projects underway. These facilities strive to provide yearly invasive species presence and absence data to the authorities. Pre-screening is one of the first lines of defense in early detection.

With the aid of the public and citizen scientists, we could cover a much wider area, and gather more substantial amounts of data. When it comes to protecting our environment, there is an opportunity for everyone! Together we can make a difference, one research project at a time.

See how you can get involved by reading the projects listed below or see all the available projects on the Texas Invasives website HERE.
 

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.

Harnessing invasive plants for use in industry. Nature and Environment, DW.

A chemist in France is turning Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) into eco-catalysts which are used by various industries, like those that produce cosmetics. These plants are invasive in both the U.S. and European countries. Removing them mitigates their environmental impact and provides a sustainable source of raw materials.

Genetic Biocontrol Solutions for Aquatic Invasive Species. Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center.

Genetic Biocontrol provides a range of promising control methods that can be directly targeted toward high-priority aquatic invasive species. Gene drive technology can target genetic traits or silence specific genes rapidly through populations. Social outreach and engagement will be important as research moves forward.

Mean Green: How Invasive Species are Choking our Forests and Parks. TVO Today.

Follow the dedicated volunteers on a hike through Toronto's urban forests, ravines, and wetlands as they point out the invasive threats they have been working tirelessly to remove. See how plants that can be welcome in one place, can easily become unwanted in another.

Targeted Grazing May Help Beat Invasive Buffelgrass
Researchers with the University of Austin traveled to Kenya to discover any weaknesses of invasive buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) that could help combat it in Texas. cns.utexas.edu

Study Reveals Huge Increase in Global Economic Cost of Invasive Mosquitoes and Diseases They Transmit
The cost associated with the losses and damages caused by invasive Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus is on the rise even with most estimates underestimated. phys.org

Urgent Need for Action Now for Increasing Threat from Invasive Alien Species
Eighty-eight authors worked together to publish an invasive species assessment, their control, and how the future problem is likely underestimated. ceh.ac.uk

From Pets to Pests: How Domestic Rabbits Survive the Wilderness
Many rabbits have been domesticated to live in captivity. However, like certain other domesticated animals, rabbits can survive and thrive when returned to the wild, often becoming an invasive pest. Here is how. phys.org

Restored Rat-Free Islands Could Support Hundreds of Thousands More Breeding Seabirds
Studies suggest that a restoration project that removes invasive species from an island not threatened by limited resources, like fish, could allow more breeding pairs of seabirds. lacaster.ac.uk

Genomic Insights into The Tea Gray Geometrid's Survival Strategy
Examination of the gray geometrid (Ectropis grisescens) genome may provide information related to genetic adaptations associated with successful invasion and survival. phys.org

EGLE Grant To Fund European Frog-Bit Control, Northern Michigan Lakes
North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area obtained funding for follow-up control of European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) on two lakes in Michigan. manisteenews.com

Frog 'Saunas' Help Endangered Frogs Survive the Devastating Impacts of a Deadly Fungal Disease
Researchers used heat to develop an effective way to help endangered frogs survive the devastating impacts of the international spread of disease-causing chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). phys.org

Finding The Ecological Balance While Countering Invasive Species
An entomologist that specializes in the brown marmorated stink bug ( Halyomorpha halys), the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), and tree fruit seeks to develop sustainable management practices to thwart invasive pest damage. rutgers.edu

Invasive, Shelled Creature Seen in Popular Georgia Lake, Experts Warn
A reproductive population of Chinese/Japanese mystery snails (Cipangopaludina chinensis/japonica) was found in a lake in Georgia. These two species are very similar but are both equally problematic to native species. phys.edu

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.