NCERA224: IPM Strategies for Arthropod Pests and Diseases in Nurseries and Landscapes

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Active

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[09/29/2023] [08/27/2024] [01/03/2025] [02/06/2026]

Date of Annual Report: 09/29/2023

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 12/11/2022 - 12/13/2022
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2022 - 12/31/2022

Participants

In attendance:
Jill Pollock, UDE
Brian Kunkel, UDE
Gary Chastagner, WSU
JKC Chong, Clemson University
In attendance by Zoom:
Vera Krischik, UMN
Jana Beckman, Purdue University
Lynnae Jesse MSU, Director NCIPM Center
Administrator Thomas Payne UMO, not in attendance

Participants Attachment:

2022 NCERA 224 report vak sept28final.docx

Brief Summary of Minutes

Brief summary

NCERA 224 meet on Dec 12 2022 at the Dobletree Hilton to discuss state reports in person and by zoom. Members attended an IPM tour of Coastal Georgia Botanical Garden (formerly as the Bamboo Farms), which is managed by University of Georgia (UGA) on Dec 13 2022.Ten state reports were discussed.

Washington, North Carolina, Indiana (2), Minnesota, Tennessee (2), Colorado, Ohio, South Carolina

State reports: 10 state reports attached

Accomplishments 10 state reports were submitted.

Members spoke of their local IPM research and outreach programs on plant diseases and insect issues.

Minutes Attachment:

2022 NCERA 224 report vak sept28final.docx

Accomplishments

Accomplishments 10 state reports were submitted. Members spoke of their local IPM research and outreach programs on plant diseases and insect issues. Gary Chastagner of WSU discussed: Completed the national CoFirGE project, which evaluated the potential of 60 families of Turkish fir and 40 families of Trojan fir to produce high quality Christmas trees in the PNW. Scions from 10 to 20 top performing trees with excellent needle retentions are being used to establish a series of grafted seed orchards in OR and WA. Developed an effective heat treatment to eliminate Megastigmus larvae in imported conifer seed and confirmed this treatment has no adverse effect on the germination and viability of seed. Demonstrated that Botrytis is a limiting factor in the ability to use modified atmosphere systems to prolong the storage of peony flowers. Data from Postdoctoral Research Associate Joey Hulbert’s Forest Health Watch program is being used by community members to monitor the distribution and severity of  Western Red Cedar decline, leaf blight on Pacific Madrone, and the emerging sooty bark disease on trees in urban landscapes and forests. Surveys and molecular DNA tests on samples from WA, OR, CA, MI, MO, NC, and SC, have detected C. corticale on 31 new potential host species in 19 genera. These results indicate that C. corticale, which causes sooty bark disease on trees and maple bark disease in humans is widespread on declining trees throughout western Washington and has a much broader potential host range and distribution than previously known. In collaboration with the US Forest Service installed an Oregon Ash common garden trial to evaluate genetic diversity in this species.   Dr. Steven Franks of NCSU discussed: We conducted research and extension related to IPM and biological control in greenhouses, nurseries, and urban landscapes. 1) Research is ongoing to understand conservation biological control in urban landscapes and specifically the role of urban trees in supporting natural enemy populations. 2) We conducted research on augmentation biological control and microbial control of mealybugs, scales, and other pests in greenhouses and how to integrate biological control with insecticides. 3) Research was conducted to understand the biology and management of European pepper moth. We now have knowledge of the life cycle, feeding preferences, effective insecticides, and we are beginning work with nematodes and other biological control measures. Our extension activities have been increasing since COVID. We gave several presentations and produced other extension resources this year.   Drs. Cliff Sadoff and Jana Beckerman of Purdue discussed: In recent years, nurseries in multiple states have reported moderate to severe dieback, chlorosis and stunting of redbud, including vascular streaking. This issue is impacting seedlings, grafted plants, older nursery stock produced in container or field production settings and landscape plants. In September, several varieties of redbud being sold from a large nursery at their Noblesville location tested positive for the tentatively identified Rhizoctonia theobromae. An additional finding at an unrelated location was documented, as well. All redbuds from the TN shipping location were destroyed. Oregon redbuds have yet to develop symptoms or test positive. No additional species at that site were found to be symptomatic. Testing is still ongoing regarding dying sassafras/laurel wilt in southern Indiana. Endemic pathogens outbreaks were mostly (with some exceptions) mild due in part to an unusually dry spring. Cedar-quince rust (Gymnosporangium clavipes) continues to be severe on crabapples, hawthorns, serviceberry, and even Callery pear. Despite these dry conditions Botryosphaeria canker continues to be a problem on redbud, crabapple, white-cedar, dogwood, and viburnum. Powdery mildew was more severe as well, particularly on lilac, buckeye, ninebark, susceptible roses, and dogwood. A dry August resulted in an excellent mum crop. Phomopsis on Norway spruce continue to plague spruce across the state, replacing Rhizosphaera as the primary problem on (Colorado blue) spruce.   Insect Update Relatively dry conditions during spring and summer facilitated spider mite outbreaks, and borer problems on landscape flowers and trees.  Borer problems were also exacerbated by dry conditions. Exotic invasive species continue to dominate the entomological landscape. Spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) caused significant defoliation in the northern tier counties of Indiana. Examination of larvae by Indiana  DNR personell indicated a enough  nuclear polyhedrosis virus and Entomophaga maimaiga fungus in the current population to help reduce outbreaks next year. Nevertheless we worked with the Indiana DNR to develop protocols to apply for suppression funds for this pest.   Emerald ash borer is still active in much of Indiana, albeit to a lesser extent due to the death of most ash trees. Resurgence is being seen in areas that stopped treating as well as ash forests that have regrown since   Dr. Vera Krischik of UMN discussed: First introduced to the US from Japan in 1916, Japanese beetle was commonly found in MN by the 1990’s. Adult feeding by Japanese beetle results in damage to foliage and fruits, reducing food for bees and wildlife. The long term research outcome is to establish an endemic pathogen to kill Japanese beetle. The pathogen Ovavesicula popilliae was first described in CT and was introduced by researchers into MI, KY, AR, CO, and KS. For short-term management, research on the efficacy of new EPA approved microbial products, GrubGone (Bacillus thuringiensis galleriae), soil applied fungus Beauveria bassiana, parasitic nematodes, and bee-friendly insecticide chlorantraniilprole will be studied. The outcome will be site specific IPM protocols, demonstration projects in parks, and educational programs for outreach to increase implementation.       Overwintering success of infected grubs and adult fecundity is reduced by as much as 50%. Beetle populations can decrease by 60 % in 5 years and 75% over 20 years. The pathogen has been found in MN through collaboration with Michigan State University. Outcomes are to provide IPM management that protects pollinators in established bee lawns and restorations using biocontrol to reduce non-target effects from insecticides for native pollinators and beneficial insects. Websites, talks, and field days are important for education to tell the difference between deadly wasps and polite ground nesting bees. Demonstration projects in parks will help with IPM adoption. For instance consumers need to know the difference in management for JB grubs that does not effect ground nesting bees or flower visiting bees. Bee identification is important so native ground nesting bees are not killed as consumers think that the bees are ground nesting wasps. The Minneapolis Park and Rec Board, Lyndale Gardens, Hiawatha Golf Course, Washington Co Parks, Washington Co Conservation District, UM Hort Display Gardens, and Twin Cities Seed are cooperating with us on establishing a outside poster with information on IPM, managing JB with microbial insecticides, and the establishment   Dr. Pierluigi (Enrico) Bonello of OSU discussed: Ohio State University mapped the environmental risk for beech leaf disease (BLD) across northeast Ohio, western Pennsylvania and western New York. Ohio State University showed the deleterious effects of climate change on the physiology of tree responses to Diplodia pinea that make the host much more susceptible to disease. Ohio State University clarified the temporal expression of the various BLD symptoms. Ohio State University formalized methodological pipelines on the use of metabarcoding for the diagnosis on novel tree diseases.   Dr. Ada Szczepaniec of CSU sent a state report: Emerald ash borer status: EAB is active in the Front Range of Colorado and active infestations have been identified in major Northern Colorado cities, e.g., Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins. Infestations appear localized, and some municipalities like Fort Collins have been proactive in treating ash trees and assessing the extent of spread. Releases of parasitoid wasps are planned in collaboration with the City of Fort Collins Forestry Division in 2025, given the low populations of beetles that are localized to two sites in the northern part of town. Japanese beetle: Japanese beetles remain the key pest of Colorado landscapes and are now well established in the western part of the State. Ips spp. status: Bark beetles remain a key pest of spruce, elm, and ash trees weakened by EAB infestations. Recent wet spring and summer have alleviated the impact some, but infested trees continue to decline.   Dr. Karla Addesso of TSU sent a state report: In 2023, we had our first report of major flea beetle management problems in a middle Tennessee nursery. There have been sporadic reports of flea beetles in the last few years, but no known established farm populations. This population was causing heavy damage to Itea, despite contact sprays being applied to control the adult population. We conducted a sweep net survey of the infested containers and blocks of host and non-host areas adjacent to the Itea. Sweep samples of the Itea collected 73 beetles on average. Fothergilla, a plant which was adjacent to the Itea and had minor evidence of feeding, had 8 beetles when directly adjacent to the Itea and 7 beetles in a plot located directly across a gravel driveway to the left of the Itea. One beetle was recovered from the boxwood block directly adjacent to the Itea with no visible feeding damage. A sweep was also made of the woodline located across a gravel drive on the right of the Itea. One beetle, on average, was collected in those sweeps.  Media/root cores were taken from the containers to see if eggs or larvae were present. Core samples were taken from 10 pots in each of the previously described plot locations. The plants were being grown in felt bags, so root balls could not be removed to look for larvae, as is commonly done with plastic containers. The cores were held for a week and observed for eggs or larval hatch. No definitive sign of flea beetle larvae or eggs were present in the media samples. The grower was provided with management suggestions for control.   Dr. William Kilingemn of UTN sent a report: Research team members are involved in several projects to evaluating disease diagnostics and insect monitoring approaches for horticultural landscape and native plant pests. Molecular markers (SSRs) and TaqMan fluorescing probes are being developed and screened for detecting DNA of plant pathogenic diseases including Laurel Wilt Disease, Harringtonia (syn. Raffaelea) lauricola; Oak wilt disease, Bretziella fagacearum, and other plant pathogens of interest (including vascular streak disease, Diplodia corticola and other canker-forming pathogens on oaks). Several of these pathogens have been found infecting host plant tissues and insects associated with host plants in Tennessee. Other diseases occur in adjacent states and potentially threaten TN (and SEUS) urban/forest and landscape hosts and insects may become candidate vectors in pathogen spread and persistence. Trapping optimization studies are being employed, with captured adult Chrysobothris beetles being used for molecular systematics in the genus and between C. femorata species group members, as part of a larger USDA NIFA SCRI project. Two new faculty have joined the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department at UT as Assistant Professors with responsibilities in specialty horticulture/landscape crop IPM: Dr. Nar Ranabhat (Plant Pathologist) and Dr. Midhula Gireesh (Entomologist). Dr. Gireesh also works with arthropod pests in turfgrass systems.   Dr. JC Chong of Clemson U discussed: Crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae) has expanded its distribution in South Carolina since its first detection near Columbia, SC, in 2019. While available information indicated that this invasive felt scale species is distributed in two counties (Richland and York; https://www.eddmaps.org/distribution/uscounty.cfm?sub=80722), this team has received information on its establishment in at least seven other counties throughout the state. More importantly, this invasive species has been spread into nursery production in the state, causing significant damage to nursery growers who produce and sell crapemyrtles. The distribution and impact of this invasive species throughout SC and the southeastern US is likely to expand in the coming years. Research team at Clemson University had conducted 30 trials in 2021-2022 to evaluate the efficacy of reduced-risk insecticides and miticides (e.g., afidopyropen, flupyradifurone, spiromesifen), biopesticides (e.g., Beauveria bassiana), and novel chemistries and biopesticides (e.g., ISM-555, SP3014, and V-10433) against sweetpotato whitefly, western flower thrips, Madeira mealybug, striped mealybug, redheaded flea beetle, omnivorous leafroller, and twospotted spider mite.   Impacts All research and outreach programs were concerned with using IPM principles to reduce pesticide use, better time pesticide use, use cultural management, better identify pests, and protect pollinators and improve worker safety. Please see the individual state reports for details.   Publications All members submitted citations on research and outreach papers. Please see the individual state reports for details.

Publications

All research and outreach programs were concerned with using IPM principles to reduce pesticide use, better time pesticide use, use cultural management, better identify pests, and protect pollinators and improve worker safety. Please see the individual state reports for details.

Impact Statements

Impacts All research and outreach programs were concerned with using IPM principles to reduce pesticide use, better time pesticide use, use cultural management, better identify pests, and protect pollinators and improve worker safety. Please see the individual state reports for details.

Date of Annual Report: 08/27/2024

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 12/10/2023 - 12/12/2023
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2023 - 12/01/2023

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Please see attached file below for NCERA224's annual report/meeting minutes.

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 01/03/2025

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/20/2024 - 10/21/2024
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2024 - 09/30/2025

Participants

Dr. Jose Shibu* new Administrator
Dr. Zee Ahmed* new member
Dr. Midhula Gireesh* new member
Dr. Gary Chastagner
Dr. Enrico Bonello
Dr. Kyle Broderick
Dr. Jill Pollok
Dr. Vera Krischik
Mr. Brian Kunkel

Brief Summary of Minutes

Please see attached file below for NCERA224's 2024 annual report and meeting notes.

Accomplishments

Publications

Publications Outreach and research:   Minnesota, University of Minnesota, Dr. Vera Krischik Outreach section The homeowner program <a href="https://ncipmhort.cfans.umn.edu/consumer-lawns-infested-grubs">https://ncipmhort.cfans.umn.edu/consumer-lawns-infested-grubs</a> Outreach programs were designed to educate professionals, consumers, and park visitors on ways to reduce pesticide use. Our outreach programs included a table at the Monarch Festival for 2 years, an online educational program with site visits, and an online Advisory Committee meeting for stakeholders, state agencies, Master Gardeners, Golf Courses and Nursery Industry that met 3 times. Outreach included websites, 36 talks, 3 peer-reviewed papers, 8 articles for the nursery, golf course, and Master Gardener newsletters. Research supported 3 UMN UROP fellowships and a Post Doc that received a UAlabama professorship   An online educational site on pollinator conservation and Japanese beetle management was created at <a href="https://ncipmhort.cfans.umn.edu/ipm-case-studies/ipm-case-study-japanese-beetle">https://ncipmhort.cfans.umn.edu/ipm-case-studies/ipm-case-study-japanese-beetle</a>   An article was published in the MN Golf Course Superintendents magazine. JB MN Golf Corse Superintendent's Hole Notes 57(5) June 2022   A poster on the research was presented at the UMN Research Symposium on March 14 2024   Research section 3 research publications are in manuscript form.   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Washington, Washington State University,  Dr Gary Chastagner Publications Research and Outreach: Research Journals <ol> <li>Whitney, T. D., Chastagner, G.A. 2024. Insecticide efficacy and emergence timing of the Douglas-fir twig weevil. Journal of Economic Entomology 117 (3): 942–950. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toae048</li> <li>McKeever, KM, Johnson, JS, Chastagner, GA. Accepted pending revisions. Field assessment of Turkish fir (Abies bornmuelleriana) resistance to five root-rotting Phytophthora Plant Disease.</li> <li>Andrus et al. 2024. Canary in the Forest? – Tree mortality and canopy dieback of western redcedar linked to drier and warmer summers. Journal of Biogeography JBI-23-0212.R1</li> </ol>   Outreach <ul> <li>Bendorf, J., B. Lindberg, B. Cregg, D. McCullough, G. Chastagner, L. Nowatzke, D. Todey,  and S. Parker. 2024. Climate Change Impacts on Christmas Tree Production in the Midwestern Region. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E3489. <a href="https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/climate-change-impacts-on-christmas-tree-production-in-the-midwestern-region">https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/climate-change-impacts-on-christmas-tree-production-in-the-midwestern-region</a></li> <li>Chastagner, G., and T. Whitney. 2024. Douglas-fir twig weevil management. Christmas Tree Lookout 57(1):10-12.</li> <li>Chastagner, G. M. Elliott, C. Landgren, and J. Kowalski. 2024. CoFirGE-2: Continuation of a national project to identify regionally adapted Trojan, Turkish and Nordmann fir to produce high quality Christmas trees. Christmas Tree Lookout 57(2): 30-32.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Lindberg, B., and G. Chastagner. 2024. Managing Phytophthora root rot. Great Lakes Christmas Tree Journal 20(4): 38-42.</li> </ul> Abstracts <ol> <li>Chastagner, G., and H. Pappu. 2024. Integrated management of diseases of ornamental geophytes and herbaceous perennials: Botrytis and Dahlia Viruses. 14th International Symposium on  Flower Bulbs and Herbaceous Perennials. Warsaw, Poland.</li> <li>Chastagner, G. 2024. Impact of Tobacco Rattle Virus on the vase life of ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ peonies. 14th International Symposium on  Flower Bulbs and Herbaceous Perennials. Warsaw, Poland.</li> <li>Chastagner, G., M. Elliott, D. McLoughlin, J. Kowalski, and C. Landgren. 2024. Early performance of seedlings in CoFirGE2 plots in WA, OR, ID, and CA. 16th IUFRO Christmas Tree Research and Extension Conference,  Kerteminde, Denmark</li> <li>Chastagner, G., and M. Elliott. 2024. Climate-Induced Stress and Root Diseases in PNW Christmas Tree Plantations. 16th IUFRO Christmas Tree Research and Extension Conference,  Kerteminde, Denmark</li> <li>Elliott, M., Hulbert, J., Murray, T., Chastagner, G. 2024. Detecting biological invasions with sentinel plantings at ports and urban points of dispersal in Washington State. Poster presentation. 32nd USDA Interagency Research Forum on Invasive Species. Annapolis, MD Jan 9-12, 2024.</li> <li>Hulbert, JM, M. Elliott, and G. Chastagner. 2024. Tree health and urban heat: Engaging communities to study urban forest disparities. IUFRO 26th World Congress, Stockholm, Sweeden. June 23-29, 2024</li> <li>Shamoun, S.F. and Elliott, M. 2024. Phytophthora ramorum Werres, de Cock & Man in’t Veld; Sudden Oak Death, Sudden Larch Death, Ramorum Leaf Blight and Shoot Dieback. Biological Control Programmes in Canada, Volume 6.</li> <li>Xu, Jing. G. Chastagner, M. J. Justesen, O. K. Hansen, U. B. Nielsen. 2024. Genetic Variation in Susceptibility to Silver Fir Woolly Adelgid in Nordmann Fir. 16th IUFRO Christmas Tree Research and Extension Conference,  Kerteminde, Denmark</li> </ol>   Scientific and Outreach Oral and Poster Presentations: <ol> <li>Chastagner, G. 2024. RCTB Project - Efficacy of fumigants in eradicating elongate hemlock scale on infested Christmas trees. RCTB EHS Webinar, January 30, 2024</li> <li>Chastagner, G. 2024. Root Rots, Needle Casts and Christmas Trees: Diagnosis, life cycles, damage and controls. MSU Christmas Tree Winter Webinar Series, February 29, 2024</li> <li>Chastagner, G., and M. Elliott. What is Killing My Trees - Climate-Induced Stress and Root Diseases. PNWCTA Short Course, Portland, OR., Feb. 16, 2024</li> <li>Chastagner, G. Overview of ongoing Christmas tree research at WSU Puyallup. WSDA CT Advisory Meeting, Olympia, WA. April 26, 2023</li> <li>Chastagner, G., and M. Elliott. Climate Related Root Rot - Distinguishing Between Phytophthora and Armillaria Root Diseases. PNWCTA Summer Meeting and Tour, June 14, 2024.</li> <li>Chastagner, G., and H. Pappu. 2024. Integrated management of diseases of ornamental geophytes and herbaceous perennials: Botrytis and Dahlia Viruses (Keynote Presentation). 14th International Symposium on  Flower Bulbs and Herbaceous Perennials. Warsaw, Poland. April 17, 2024.</li> <li>Chastagner, G. 2024. Impact of Tobacco Rattle Virus on the vase life of ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ peonies. 14th International Symposium on  Flower Bulbs and Herbaceous Perennials. Warsaw, Poland. April 17, 2024.</li> <li>Chastagner, G., M. Elliott, D. McLoughlin, J. Kowalski, and C. Landgren. 2024. Early performance of seedlings in CoFirGE2 plots in WA, OR, ID, and CA. 16th IUFRO Christmas Tree Research and Extension Conference,  Kerteminde, Denmark, August 12. 2024.</li> <li>Chastagner, G., and M. Elliott. 2024. Climate-Induced Stress and Root Diseases in PNW Christmas Tree Plantations. 16th IUFRO Christmas Tree Research and Extension Conference,  Kerteminde, Denmark, August 14, 2024.</li> <li>Chastagner, G. 2024. Summary of Christmas tree research activities at WSU Puyallup. WSDA CT Advisory Meeting, Olympia, WA. October 4, 2023.</li> <li>Chastagner, G., and M. Elliott. 2024. Climate-induced stress and root diseases in PNW Christmas tree plantations. 69th Western International Forest Disease Work Conference. Sant Fe, NM. Sept. 11, 2024</li> <li>Chastagner, G., and M. Elliott. 2024. Climate-induced stress and root diseases in PNW Christmas tree plantations. 23rd Ornamental Workshop on Insects and Diseases, Raleigh, NC. October 23, 2024</li> <li>Chastagner, G. 2024. Managing Botrytis - The key to extending the storage life of peony flowers. 23rd Ornamental Workshop on Insects and Diseases, Raleigh, NC. October 23, 2024</li> <li>Chastagner, G. 2024. Management of Botrytis on Ornamental Geophytes. Alaska Agriculture Conference, Fairbanks, AK. Nov. 16, 2024</li> <li>Chastagner, G. 2024. Management of Botrytis on Ornamental Geophytes. Alaska Agriculture Conference, Fairbanks, AK. Nov. 16, 2024</li> <li>Elliott, M., Hulbert, J., Murray, T., Chastagner, G. 2024. Detecting biological invasions with sentinel plantings at ports and urban points of dispersal in Washington State. Poster presentation. 32nd USDA Interagency Research Forum on Invasive Species. Annapolis, MD Jan 9-12, 2024.</li> <li>Elliott, M., Chastagner G. 2024. Lateral movement of P. ramorum on nursery substrates and steaming updates. NORS-DUC Annual Meeting, San Rafael, CA. 3/5/2024.</li> </ol> <ol> <li>Elliott, M., Chastagner G. 2024. Steam Treatment for eradicating Phytophthora ramorum: Research at WSU. USDA_APHIS-PPQ Phytophthora ramorum Community Call. online 5/15/2024</li> <li>Elliott, M., Hulbert, J., Murray, T., Chastagner, G. 2024. Sentinel plantings in Tacoma: A tool for detecting new arrivals of invasive species. 2024 Ports of Washington webinar 4/3/2024</li> <li>Elliott, M. and Hulbert, J. 2024. Invasive plant diseases and pests: Stop them before they get started. Presentation to Pierce County Master Gardeners 6/22/24</li> </ol> <ol> <li>Elliott, M., and G. Chastagner. 2024. Rice paddies and other techniques for Phytophthora root disease resistance screening. 23rd Ornamental Workshop on Insects and Diseases, Raleigh, NC. October 23, 2024</li> <li>Hulbert, JM. 2024 Climate Impacts Group, Lunch and Learn, Trees and urban heat in the Northwest, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.</li> <li>Hulbert, JM. 2024 Green River College Forestry and Natural Resources Seminar, Forest Health Issues, Research and Student Opportunities in Washington.</li> <li>Hulbert, JM. 2024 United States Botanical Garden (DC) Hosted Webinar, Plants and Climate Change Education (PLACCE) session, Community Science for Forest Health with Dr. Joey Hulbert and Nina Avila (Virtual Presentation).</li> <li>Hulbert, JM. 2024 Washington Naturalists, Forest Health Watch - keeping trees healthy together, Washington State University (Virtual Presentation).</li> <li>Hulbert, JM. 2024 Online Workshops and Webinars for Tribal Audiences, Enriching tribal management and resilience to invasive species with co-designed educational resources, (Virtual Presentation).</li> <li>Hulbert, JM. 2024 Online Workshops and Webinars for Tribal Audiences, Keeping berry patches healthy- invasive species threats to Vaccinium species, (Virtual Presentation).</li> <li>Hulbert, JM. 2024 Online Workshops and Webinars for Tribal Audiences, Invasive species impacts, options and resources, (Virtual Presentation).</li> <li>Hulbert, JM. 2024 Oregon Tree School Clackamas, Forest Health Watch - keeping trees healthy together, Oregon City, Oregon.</li> <li>Hulbert, JM. 2024 King County Rural Forest Commission Forest health issues and research in Western Washington (Virtual Presentation).</li> <li>Hulbert, JM. 2024 WSU Small Forest Landowner Winter School, Western redcedar dieback: updates from WSU research Green River College, Auburn, Washington.</li> <li>Hulbert, JM. 2024 USDA APHIS Emergency Preparedness Training, Enriching tribal management and resilience to invasive species with co-designed educational resources Quinault Indian Nation, Ocean Beach, Washington (Virtual Presentation).</li> <li>Hulbert, JM. 2024 Northwest Natural Resources Group, Fireside Chat, Backyard citizen science opportunities in the Northwest</li> <li>Hulbert, JM. 2024 Tacoma Public Schools, Climate Action Group, Trees and urban heat in Tacoma</li> <li>Schoultz, R. J., and G. Chastagner. 2024. Perishables-shipping, boxes, insulation, botrytis, Fed Ex, UPS, Oh MY. Alaska Agriculture Conference, Fairbanks, AK. Nov. 15, 2024</li> <li>Xu, Jing. G. Chastagner, M. J. Justesen, O. K. Hansen, U. B. Nielsen. 2024. Genetic Variation in Susceptibility to Silver Fir Woolly Adelgid in Nordmann Fir. 16th IUFRO Christmas Tree Research and Extension Conference,  Kerteminde, Denmark, August 12. 2024.</li> </ol> +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Ohio, Ohio State University, Dr Enrico Bonelllo Publications Research and Outreach: Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles <ol> <li>Bonello, P. (2024). Complex forest tree diseases – diagnostics beyond Koch’s postulates. Current Forestry Reports – DOI: 10.1007/s40725-024-00220-w. Invited review article.</li> <li>Munck IA, Diez-Casero JJ, Moricca S, Tanguay P, Bonello P. (2024) Editorial: Foliar, shoot, stem and rust diseases of trees IUFRO 2022. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change 7. doi:10.3389/ffgc.2024.1356533</li> <li>Chang L, Li Y, Gao Z, Bonello P, Cleary M, Munck IA, Santini A, Sun H. (2024). Novel pathogen–plant host interaction: Colletotrichum jiangxienseand Fraxinus americana (white ash) in a sentinel garden in China. Plants 12: 4001 – DOI: 10.3390/plants12234001.</li> <li>Chang L, Li Y-l, Gao Z, Bonello P, Cleary M, Munck IA, Santini A, Sun H. (2024). First report of Epicoccum latusicollum causing leaf spot disease on red maple (Acer rubrum) in China: Insights from a sentinel planting garden. Crop Protection 175:106439 – DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2023.106439.</li> <li>Williams GM, Ginzel MD, Ma Z, Adams DC, Campbell F, Lovett GM, Pildain MB, Raffa KF, Gandhi KJK, Santini A, Sniezko RA, Wingfield MJ, Bonello P (2024) The Global Forest Health Crisis: A Public-Good Social Dilemma in Need of International Collective Action. Annual Review of Phytopathology 61 (1) – DOI:10.1146/annurev-phyto-021722-024626.</li> </ol>   Abstracts and Proceedings (Including Posters) <ol> <li>Ghosh S, Selvi E, Bonello P. 2024. Environmental risk mapping of beech leaf disease in the U.S. and Europe in a changing climate. Annual Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society. Memphis, TN, July 27-30.</li> <li>Miles A, Fearer C, Vieira P, Bonello P. 2024. Characterization of beach leaf disease: From molecules to Landscapes. Annual Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society. Memphis, TN, July 27-30.</li> <li>Bonello P. 2024. A Possible Future? The Center for Forest Invasion Resistance (C-FIR). Annual Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society. Memphis, TN, July 27-30.</li> <li>Bonello P. 2024. A Possible Future? The Center for Forest Invasion Resistance (C-FIR). 63rdannual Southern Forest Health Work Conference. Greenville, SC, July 16-18.</li> <li>Schlößer R, Migliorini D, Pepori AL, Gionni A, Pecori F, Bonello P, Santini A. 2024. New fungi associated with sentinel plants from North America in Italy. 26th IUFRO World Congress, Stockholm, Sweden, June 23-29.</li> <li>Sun H, Chang L, Cleary M, Digirolomo M, Gao Z-w, Kime CG, Li Y-l, Migliorini D, Munck IA, Santini A, Shetlar D, Sherwood P, Bonello P. 2024. Sentinel plantations in China – early warning for threats to economically important European and North American tree species. 26th IUFRO World Congress, Stockholm, Sweden, June 23-29.</li> <li>Williams G, Ginzel M, Ma Z, Adams D, Campbell F, Lovett G, Pildain MB, Raffa K, Gandhi K, Santini A, Sniezko R, Wingfield M, Bonello P. 2024. The global forest health crisis: a public-good social dilemma in need of international collective action. 26th IUFRO World Congress, Stockholm, Sweden, June 23-29.</li> </ol> +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Colorado,  University of Tenessee,  Dr Ada Szczepaniec <ul> <li>Szczepaniec, A. Pest Management in the Intermountain West – 25 min talk “Key pests and pests management updates”. November 2024</li> </ul>

Impact Statements

All research and outreach programs were concerned with using IPM principles to reduce pesticide use, better time pesticide use, use cultural management, better identify pests, and protect pollinators and improve worker safety.

Date of Annual Report: 02/06/2026

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 12/08/2025 - 12/08/2025
Period the Report Covers: 10/21/2024 - 10/22/2025

Participants

Baggio, Juliana (Juliana.Baggio@syngenta.com) – Syngenta Vero Beach Research Center
Jose, Shibu (joses@missouri.edu) – University of Missouri (Administrative Advisor)
Del‑Pozo Valdivia, Alejandro (adelpozo@vt.edu) – Virginia Tech
Gireesh, Midhula (mgireesh@utk.edu) – University of Tennessee
LaForest, Joseph (laforest@uga.edu) – University of Georgia / Bugwood
Nixon, Laura (lnixon1@umd.edu) – University of Maryland
Prade, Patricia (prade@psu.edu) – Pennsylvania State University
Joseph, Shimat (svjoseph@uga.edu) – University of Georgia
Stewart, Jane (jane.stewart@colostate.edu) – Colorado State University
Addesso, Karla (kaddesso@tnstate.edu) – Tennessee State University
Frank, Steve (sdfrank@ncsu.edu) – North Carolina State University
Klingeman, William (Bill) (wklingem@utk.edu) – University of Tennessee
Bonello, Enrico (bonello.2@osu.edu) – Ohio State University
Broderick, Kyle (kbroderick2@unl.edu) – University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Chastagner, Gary (chastag@wsu.edu) – Washington State University
Harbach, Chelsea (charbach@iastate.edu) – Iowa State University
Krischik, Vera (krisc001@umn.edu) – University of Minnesota
Kunkel, Brian (bakunkel@udel.edu) – University of Delaware
Ahmed, Zee (mahmed2@clemson.edu) – Clemson University (Chair)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The NCERA224 annual meeting convened December 8–9, 2025, at the Syngenta Vero Beach Research Center in Vero Beach, Florida, bringing together researchers, extension specialists, federal partners, and industry collaborators from across the United States. Chair Zee Ahmed and host Juliana Baggio opened the meeting with a welcome and facility overview, followed by an administrative update from Dr. Shibu Jose that outlined national priorities and reaffirmed the committee’s role in advancing coordinated IPM solutions for nurseries and landscapes.

Across two presentation blocks, members delivered concise research and extension updates that showcased significant progress on invasive species management, nursery disease diagnostics, molecular identification tools, pollinator protection, and emerging pest threats. These presentations highlighted the consortium’s multistate integration—shared datasets, coordinated trials, and cross‑state diagnostic development—demonstrating the group’s collective capacity to respond rapidly to new pest challenges.

During the lunch session, Sara Delheimer led a virtual Impact Writing Workshop, equipping members with strategies to translate scientific outputs into clear, stakeholder‑oriented impact statements. In the afternoon, Dr. Emmanuel Byamukama provided a NIFA update emphasizing alignment between NCERA224 priorities and national funding directions, reinforcing opportunities for future collaborative proposals.

The committee held an extended strategic planning session to finalize the 2025 annual report, review renewal and NIMSS submission timelines, elect the next NCERA224 Chair, and evaluate options for the 2026 meeting location. Members also used this time to identify new collaborative opportunities, strengthen cross‑state research linkages, and outline shared priorities for the coming year.

On Day 2, Syngenta scientists presented updates on new products and potential areas for public–private collaboration, followed by a guided tour of Syngenta’s ornamental fungicide and insecticide research facilities. The tour provided members with firsthand exposure to industry‑scale trialing platforms and highlighted opportunities for integrating academic and industry research pipelines. The meeting concluded with open discussion and planning for next year’s coordinated activities.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments Short‑Term Outcomes Short‑term outcomes documented across all reports totaled forty‑one measurable changes in knowledge, diagnostic capability, and management behavior. Comparative evaluations of three trap types and multiple ethanol lure concentrations improved early‑season detection of ambrosia beetles and strengthened scouting accuracy for growers and managers. Dissemination of a spotted lanternfly management calendar through four media features, one extension blog, and a trade‑publication article increased stakeholder readiness and awareness of seasonal management needs. Diagnostic capacity for wilt diseases improved through the development and testing of three molecular tools, including SSR markers, TaqMan probes, and LAMP assays, enabling earlier and more reliable detection. Genome resources covering eighty‑three wood‑boring beetle species, along with DNA barcoding confirming a new host association, enhanced identification capabilities for diagnosticians and researchers. Additional outcomes included adoption of refined scouting windows, improved insecticide selection practices, and increased access to pest‑management information through seventeen extension activities and six outreach outputs documented in the compiled reports. Outputs Outputs produced during the reporting period included thirty peer‑reviewed publications, seventy‑two extension and outreach products, and fifty‑eight extension activities. These outputs encompassed research publications on invasive insects and plant pathogens, taxonomic keys for scale insects and mealybugs, genome resources for wood‑boring beetles, and diagnostic assays for fungal pathogens. Additional outputs included a spotted lanternfly management calendar disseminated through multiple media outlets, comparative monitoring datasets for ambrosia beetles, and a range of extension guides, bulletins, and outreach materials. Four additional extension products and six additional outreach outputs were documented in the compiled reports, further expanding the group’s reach and supporting broader dissemination of integrated pest management recommendations. Activities Activities conducted during the reporting period included multistate ambrosia beetle monitoring trials comparing three trap types and multiple lure concentrations, as well as insecticide evaluations for several nursery pests. Group members developed diagnostic assays for fungal pathogens using SSR, qPCR, and LAMP platforms, and carried out genome sequencing and assembly for eighty‑three species of wood‑boring beetles. Additional activities included preparation of extension guides for insect identification, delivery of more than fifty presentations across conferences, workshops, field days, webinars, and recertification trainings, and engagement with media outlets through interviews, news articles, and a PBS segment. Collaborative manuscript development on spotted lanternfly management continued, and seventeen additional extension activities were documented in the compiled reports. Milestones Milestones achieved during the reporting period included completion of two multistate ambrosia beetle trap‑evaluation trials and dissemination of the spotted lanternfly management calendar through four media outlets and an extension blog. Progress continued on three molecular diagnostic tools for wilt pathogens, and multiple manuscripts advanced toward completion, including those related to diagnostics, genome resources, and pest phenology. A Z‑stack imaging archive for insect identification was developed, covering multiple species and gender‑specific traits, and work advanced on a descriptive identification guide for flatheaded borers. The group also made progress across twenty‑five applied and collaborative projects, with three additional projects and two applied initiatives documented in the compiled reports. These milestones represent intermediate steps toward improved pest detection, diagnostic capacity, and integrated pest management strategies.

Publications

Total complete publications: 15 <ol> <li>Ahmed, M. Z., Yadav, N., Rustgi, S., Saripalli, G., Esquivel, I. L., Bryant, T. B., Graham, S., Jacobson, A., Gireesh, M., Joseph, S. V., Klingeman, W., Addesso, K. M., Bilbo, T. R., Greene, J. K., & Reay‑Jones, F. F. P. (2025). Global phylogeography of Amrasca biguttula (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) across eight countries reveals a single‑haplotype incursion into the United States beyond its putative native range. Journal of Applied Entomology. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jen.70067">https://doi.org/10.1111/jen.70067</a></li> <li>Ahmed, M. Z., Joseph, S., Gireesh, M., Addesso, K., & Del Pozo‑Valdivia, A. (2025).Spotted Lanternfly Management Calendar for Ornamental Growers in the Southeastern U.S. GrowerTalks.</li> <li>Peng, J., Lv, X.‑L., Ran, X.‑T., Jindal, V., Banta, G., Gupta, V. K., Kumar, V., Wu, Q.‑J., Mohindru, B., McKenzie, C. L., Osborne, L. S., Ahmed, M. Z., & Qiu, B.‑L. (2025). Geographical distribution and genetic analysis reveal recent global invasion of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, primarily associated with only three haplotypes. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 115(2), 194–206. <code>https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007485324000828</code></li> <li>Liu, H., Borrero, H., Villate, J., Powell, E. C., Ahmed, M. Z., Owen, M., Palmer‑Skok, V., & Skok, A. (2025). Diaspis boisduvalii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in southern Florida: its herbivory on wild orchids and nativity status discussion. Florida Entomologist, 108(s1), Article 20240065.</li> <li>Joseph, S. V., Cottrell, T. E., Schoof, S., Hayter, J., Chong, J. H., Brindley, J. C., Del Pozo‑Valdivia, A. I., Walgenbach, J. F., Blaauw, B. R., Oliver, J. B., & Ranger, C. M. (2025). Pyrethroids demonstrate effective insecticidal activity against ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) within tree fruit, nut, and ornamental production systems. Journal of Economic Entomology, toaf198.</li> <li>Wyatt, M. M., Eisenback, J., & Del Pozo‑Valdivia, A. I. (2025). Morphological evidence of tarsal suction cup‑like structures in crawlers of Japanese maple scale (Lopholeucaspis japonica). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, 127, 136–138.</li> <li>Lin, W., Liu, F. C., Huang, X., Del Pozo‑Valdivia, A. I., Leskey, T. C., & Yang, C. S. (2025). Using ants to detect spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) DNA. Pest Management Science, 81, 4571–4578.</li> <li>Hall, D. R., Serrano, J., Yokota, G. Y., Nieto, D. J., Farman, D. I., McElfresh, J. S., Del Pozo‑Valdivia, A. I., Millar, J. G., & Daane, K. M. (2025). Development of practical pheromone lures for Lygus hesperus and Lygus elisus. Journal of Economic Entomology, 118, 184–194.</li> <li>Govindaraju, R., Hayter, J., Chong, J. H., Del Pozo‑Valdivia, A. I., Cottrell, T. E., Walgenbach, J. F., Scheyer, T. W., Blaauw, B. R., Reding, M. E., Ranger, C. M., & Joseph, S. V. (2025). Influence of ethanol lure concentration on captures of ambrosia beetles in tree fruits and ornamentals. Journal of Applied Entomology, 149, 74–87.</li> <li>Joseph, S. V., Del Pozo‑Valdivia, A. I., & Chong, J. H. (2025). Ethanol concentration can influence the outcomes of insecticide evaluation of ambrosia beetle attacks using wood bolts. Florida Entomologist, 108, 20240090.</li> <li>Rivera, D., Del Pozo‑Valdivia, A. I., & Kuhar, T. (2025). Efficacy of in‑furrow insecticides for control of seedcorn maggot in fava bean in 2024. Arthropod Pest Management Tests, 50, tsaf111.</li> <li>Wyatt, M. M., & Del Pozo‑Valdivia, A. I. (2025). Late‑season in‑field insecticide trial against Japanese maple scale on maples, 2023. Arthropod Pest Management Tests, 50, tsaf110.</li> <li>Kron, C. R., Gonzalez Murillo, A. D., Gonçalves, C. G., Zoller, B. G., Addesso, K., Klingeman, W., & Moulton, J. K. (2025). DNA barcoding helps establish a novel host‑plant interaction for Chrysobothris mali (Horn, 1886). Journal name not provided in uploaded files.</li> <li>Neelipally, R. T., Jagadamma, S., & Klingeman, W. (2025). Rooted in resilience: Healthy soils support greener nurseries and landscapes. TN Greentimes, 26(3), 16–18, 20.</li> <li>Pulte, A., & Klingeman, W. (2025). Rehabilitating flood‑damaged landscapes and inventory. TN Greentimes, 26(3), 28–31.</li> <li>Ranabhat, N. B., Gomez, D. F., Klingeman, W. E., Ony, M., Lopez, E., & Hadziabdic, D. (2024). Oak wilt disease: A guide to recognizing symptoms, diagnosing the problem and safeguarding oak trees. UT Extension Publication W 1272.</li> </ol>

Impact Statements

Coordinated Support: This group provides coordinated support for nurseries and landscapes at a scale that individual programs cannot achieve alone. The work is steady, science‑based, and focused on real problems that growers face.
Strong Annual Output: Over the reporting period, the group produced 28 research publications, 72 extension outputs, 58 extension activities, and 39 documented outcomes. It advanced 25 applied projects and addressed 38 pests and diseases. These numbers reflect a consistent and reliable effort to protect plant health.
Improved Early Detection: The group improves early detection of invasive pests. Monitoring trials using three trap types and multiple lure concentrations strengthened ambrosia beetle detection. These efforts reduce uncertainty and support faster decision‑making.
Enhanced Diagnostic Capacity: Three molecular assays increased sensitivity for wilt pathogens. Genome resources for 83 wood‑boring beetles expanded identification capabilities. These tools help prevent losses before they spread.
Effective Extension Delivery: Extension work ensured that scientific advances reached the people who need them. A spotted lanternfly management calendar was shared through four media outlets, an extension blog, and a trade publication. Identification guides, bulletins, and trainings supported better scouting and pesticide stewardship.
Increased Readiness and Reduced Risk: These extension efforts increased readiness and reduced risk for growers and landscape managers. They supported more confident decision‑making during periods of uncertainty.
Strong Funding Engagement: The group attracted attention from funding agencies. Supported projects included work on mealybugs ($30,000), cotton leafhopper ($40,000), spotted lanternfly ($30,000), and ambrosia beetles ($249,981). A major proposal on red‑headed flea beetle ($7.7M) was submitted and is under review. The size and scope of these proposals reflect confidence in the group’s expertise and collaborative structure.
Clear, Measurable Impact: The group functions as an early‑warning system for invasive pests, a diagnostic resource for emerging diseases, and a trusted source of management guidance. The work reduces crop loss, protects landscapes, and strengthens the resilience of an entire industry.
Humble, Practical Approach: The approach is humble and practical, grounded in shared data and steady collaboration. The group remains one of the most dependable and impactful contributors to nursery and landscape IPM.