We are often the bearers of bad news when a new exotic insect species is discovered in Indiana. This time, however, we have some good news to share. Agrilus smaragdifrons, a beetle that feeds exclusively on Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), was detected in Indiana last year in Allen County. You might notice that this beetle belongs…Read more about Beetle that attacks Tree-of-Heaven found in Indiana[Read More]
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As emerald ash borer reached its highest populations throughout the landscape in Indiana, Purdue University, partnered with other organizations, helped to spread several messages intended to engage the public in helping limit the movement of the insect. Readers may recall one such message in the form of bumper stickers with the phrase, “Don’t Move the…Read more about October is Firewood Awareness Month![Read More]
Register now for the Indiana Invasive Species Conference! September 4-5 at the South Shore Indiana Welcome Center-Hammond, IN Early bird registration ends July 20th Registration fees: Early bird registration: $80 per person (until July 20th) General registration: $95 per person (July 21st – August 15th) Student research poster presenters: $50 (Interested in presenting a poster? Contact…Read more about Register now for the Indiana Invasive Species Conference[Read More]
Nursery growers and landscapers should stay vigilant for an invasive thrips that is moving across the USA. Thrips parvispinus was first detected in Florida in 2020. It has since spread through Georgia and the Carolinas, and has been detected in Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. It is not known to occur in Indiana, but growers…Read more about Invasive Thrips to Watch for in the Nursery and Landscape[Read More]
It’s that time again! With the arrival of warm temperatures and increased rainfall, many of us are getting to work on our lawns, gardens, and landscaping. Unfortunately, this often comes with discovering what new (or old) invasive species are here to haunt us. So far this year, the invasive I’ve gotten the most questions on…Read more about Asian Jumping Worms: How to ID this soil pest[Read More]
These three maples have somewhat similar-looking leaves. On the surface, you may think this is simply an academic exercise. But if you care about invasive plants and local ecology, this distinction is an important one. Norway maple is an invasive tree species, while sugar and black maples are native tree species (sometimes called hard maples)….Read more about Distinguishing Between Norway, Sugar, and Black Maples[Read More]
Recently, there has been an uptick in questions related to one of Indiana’s most notorious invasive pests: the emerald ash borer. Homeowners, businesses, even professionals have asked if ash trees are still present in Indiana, and if the insect is still a threat to our ecosystem. Emerald ash borer wreaked significant havoc among Indiana’s hardwoods,…Read more about Revisiting Ash Tree Protection[Read More]
During a nursery inspection in Owen County in 2024, I noticed an unusual yellowing of the leaves on some American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) trees (Fig 1). A look at the underside of the leaves revealed yellow-orange pustules, suggesting a rust fungus. After help from the Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab, this fungal pathogen was…Read more about Hornbeam Rust: An emerging rust disease in the US[Read More]
Asian bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) is an extremely invasive plant that is a serious problem in most areas of the Midwest. These invasive plants grow very fast, especially along woodland edges, and shade out most of the understory plants that are found in these areas. Honeysuckle can also significantly reduce the available browse for deer…Read more about Consider Fall Eradication of Asian Bush Honeysuckle[Read More]
The Invasive Terrestrial Plant Rule was signed by Governor Holcomb and published on March 18, 2019. The rule goes into effect 30 days after publishing, so it will be effective later in April. The rule states with respect to the 44 plant species included on the rule: “a person must not: (1) Sell, offer or…Read more about Terrestrial Invasive Species Rule Signed by Indiana Governor[Read More]
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