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Search Results: invasive
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…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…Read more about Invasive Thrips to Watch for in the Nursery and Landscape[Read More]
Most people these days have, at the very least, heard of Callery and Bradford pear trees and know something about the invasiveness of this ornamental street tree. But I still get questions about what it is and why it’s so bad. So, I’d like to offer a little history of…Read more about Invasive Bradford/Callery Pear: Why it is so detrimental and what to plant instead.[Read More]
A new invasive insect of concern has been identified in the state of Georgia. In August of 2023, Georgia’s Department of Agriculture, along with the USDA, confirmed the presence of the yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina, outside of the city of Savannah. To date, this is the only confirmed identification of…Read more about New Invasive Predator of Honeybees[Read More]
Don’t give invasives species a ride during the fall camping and foliage season. This beautiful waterfall in Clifty Falls State Park is located only 20 miles from where spotted lanternfly has been found in Indiana. (Photo by M. Ruby)
Invasive Species Awareness Week is the perfect time to brush up on what invasive species are, why we’re so worried about them, and which insects you should keep on your radar.
This year has been a rollercoaster of good (e.g. continued progress on the long term fight against emerald ash borer) and bad (e.g. sudden oak death potentially being introduced into the Midwest) news about invasive species. There’s been a lot to keep track of, but don’t worry if you’ve missed…Read more about Update on invasive pests new and old[Read More]
A new publication for nursery growers has been released! This publication, a joint venture between Purdue University and Indiana Department of Natural Resources, informs that nursery and landscape industry about new state regulations regarding invasive plants. The rule goes into effect in two stages. As of April 18, 2019, it…Read more about What Nurseries Need to Know About the Invasive Species Regulation? New Publication for Nursery Growers[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…Read more about Terrestrial Invasive Species Rule Signed by Indiana Governor[Read More]
On July 17th, at the Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis, the Natural Resources Commission passed the preliminary adoption of the Terrestrial Plant Rule (TPR) (https://www.in.gov/nrc/files/lsa18316_proposed.pdf). This rule restricts the sale, distribution, and transport of 44 invasive plants, which were determined invasive based on scientific literature by the Indiana Invasive…Read more about Natural Resources Commission Preliminarily Adopts Invasive Plants Rule[Read More]
When talking about invasive species, specialists are most commonly talking about some kind of plant or insect that is making an impact on landscape plants, soil, or hardwood. Most of these species are relatively easy to understand, with a biology that typically resembles that of a native counterpart. Wood-boring insects,…Read more about Keep an eye out for hammerhead worms![Read More]
As we step into a new year, the Purdue Landscape Report team is excited to welcome you to the first newsletter of 2026. Whether you are a long-time reader, a landscape professional, an arborist, a nursery grower, or a homeowner invested in the health and beauty of your landscape, we’re…Read more about Welcome to the 2026 Purdue Landscape Report[Read More]
The 2026 Indiana Green Expo (IGE), held February 9–11 at the Indiana Convention Center, marked another highly successful year for one of the Midwest’s leading educational and networking events for turfgrass, landscape, nursery, and green industry professionals. The Expo drew 1,412 attendees and hosted 113 exhibiting companies, reinforcing its role…Read more about 2026 Indiana Green Expo Delivers Strong Educational Impact, Industry Engagement, and Measurable Value[Read More]
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…Read more about Beetle that attacks Tree-of-Heaven found in Indiana[Read More]
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…Read more about October is Firewood Awareness Month![Read More]
Untangling the Vines: Identifying Bindweed, Morning Glory, and Honeyvine Milkweed Few garden problems cause as much frustration as untangling vines. Sometimes the vines are beautiful climbers planted with intention. Other times, they creep in uninvited and smother everything in their path. Among the most common, and the most confusing, vines…Read more about Untangling the Vines: Identifying Bindweed, Morning Glory, and Honeyvine Milkweed[Read More]
Christmas tree growers have been struggling with an invasive scale pest called Cryptomeria scale (Aspidiotus cryptomeriae), which is a serious pest of conifers. The scales infest the undersides of the needles and extract plant juices with their piercing-sucking mouthparts. Economic losses are due to the unsightly yellow discoloration and needle…Read more about Cryptomeria scale on Christmas trees[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…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…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…Read more about Revisiting Ash Tree Protection[Read More]
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