Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

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

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.

Grants, Contracts, and Other Resources

Group members secured several resources this year that supported monitoring, diagnostics, and extension activities. These projects reflect steady progress and continued trust from funding agencies. The following awards were documented:

• Mealybug Management Project — $30,000
Recipient: Member of the group
Funding Source: Southern IPM Center
Term: Current year
Notes: Supported development of improved scouting and management tools.

• Cotton Leafhopper Working Group — $40,000
Recipient: Member of the group
Funding Source: Southern IPM Center
Term: Current year
Notes: Advanced coordinated monitoring and management recommendations.

• Spotted Lanternfly Extension and Outreach Project — $30,000
Recipient: Member of the group
Funding Source: Southern IPM Center
Term: Current year
Notes: Supported development and dissemination of the spotted lanternfly management calendar.

• Ecology and Management of Ambrosia Beetles — $249,981
Recipient: Member of the group
Funding Source: USDA
Term: Multi‑year
Notes: Strengthened monitoring networks and improved lure and trap evaluations.

• USDA NIFA SCRI Ambrosia Beetle Collaboration — Amount not listed
Recipient: Multi‑institutional group members
Funding Source: USDA NIFA SCRI
Term: Multi‑year
Notes: Supported coordinated research on ambrosia beetle ecology and management.

• USDA APHIS PPQ Box Tree Moth Project — Amount not listed
Recipient: Member of the group
Funding Source: USDA APHIS PPQ
Term: Current year
Notes: Supported monitoring and diagnostic readiness for an emerging invasive pest.

• Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI) Projects — Amounts not listed
Recipient: Multiple group members
Funding Source: USDA FNRI
Term: Multi‑year
Notes: Supported research on nursery pest management and plant health.

 Collaborative Proposals Submitted (Not Yet Funded)

The group also worked together on several major proposals. These submissions demonstrate strong collaboration and the ability to respond to emerging needs.

• Red‑Headed Flea Beetle SysCAP Proposal — $7.7M (Applied, Not Yet Funded)
Lead: Group members
Funding Source: USDA NIFA SCRI SysCAP
Status: Under review
Notes: Large, multi‑state proposal focused on coordinated management of red‑headed flea beetle.

• Southern IPM Working Group Proposals — Amounts vary (Applied)
Lead: Multiple group members
Status: Submitted
Notes: Focused on invasive species readiness and diagnostic coordination.

Summary

These resources supported monitoring trials, diagnostic development, extension materials, and collaborative research. The funded projects strengthened the group’s ability to respond to invasive pests and emerging diseases. The submitted proposals show continued momentum and strong multi‑state coordination. Together, these investments reflect confidence in the group’s expertise and its value to growers, diagnosticians, and the broader plant health community.

Total complete publications: 15

1. 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. https://doi.org/10.1111/jen.70067
2. 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.
3. 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. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007485324000828
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Pulte, A., & Klingeman, W. (2025). Rehabilitating flood‑damaged landscapes and inventory. TN Greentimes, 26(3), 28–31.
16. 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.