invasive species

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ailanthus tree

Tree-of-heaven's prolific seed production adds to its invasive potential

8/2/17

Ailanthus, also called tree-of-heaven, is a voracious invasive plant species that is rapidly affecting more and more forests in the United States, according to plant pathologists. These researchers recently found that Ailanthus not only produces lots of viable seeds, but also that the species produces seeds earlier in its lifespan and keeps producing seeds, in some cases, more than a century later. Recognizing the invasive potential of Ailanthus may help forestry experts control it.

Josh Mulhollem

Alumni in the field: Josh Mulhollem, aquatic invasive species biologist

9/23/16

Josh Mulhollem remembers his fascination with aquatic resources beginning at an early age. The son of an avid outdoorsman, Mulhollem spent much of his youth in central Pennsylvania developing the same passion. He parlayed that interest into a Penn State degree and a rewarding career as an aquatic ecologist.

Allium leafminer feeding damage

Growers urged to be on lookout for fall emergence of invasive onion pest

9/20/16

An insect that attacks onions, leeks, garlic and related crops may be emerging now in parts of Pennsylvania, and growers should be prepared to take measures to manage the pest, according to a Penn State entomologist. The allium leafminer, which never had been seen in the Western Hemisphere until its discovery last winter, produces two generations per year, and the second generation could emerge in September or October.

Allium leafminer adults

New insect pest a threat to onion and related crops in Pennsylvania

5/12/16

An insect never before found in the Western Hemisphere has been discovered in Pennsylvania, and agriculture officials are asking growers and home gardeners to help monitor and manage the new invasive pest. The allium leafminer is a threat to several species of crop plants in the genus Allium, such as onion, leek, garlic, chive, shallot and green onion, warned Shelby Fleischer, professor of entomology in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Spotted lanternfly wings spread

Collaboration, research key to managing invasive species

2/8/16

Invasive species, such as gypsy moth and emerald ash borer, have had devastating effects on Pennsylvania's forests, and the keys to combatting these threats are active management, collaboration and research, according to U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson. Thompson made his remarks during a forum on invasive forest species that he sponsored Feb. 5 on Penn State's University Park campus.

Spotted lanternfly wings spread

Entomologists hope vigilance, research stop newly discovered spotted lanternfly

11/14/14

People seeing the spotted lanternfly for the first time are struck by its sometimes-flashy appearance. But don't let its colorful, butterfly-like veneer fool you, caution entomologists in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. This exotic, invasive insect poses a potential threat to several important agricultural commodities in Pennsylvania.

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Aquatic invaders can topple plant and fish populations in Northeast

8/27/10

The introduction of species like "Frankenfish" or "Rock Snot" into Pennsylvania waters doesn't sound pretty, and it's not. These are just two of the more colorful nicknames for aquatic invaders, but the innocent-sounding ones -- such as parrot feather or water chestnut -- also have the capacity to spell doom for some local ponds and streams.

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For park, surviving the Revolution easier than withstanding human use

8/11/08

Inwood Hill Park survived the drastic modifications of Revolutionary War patriots, but preserving this last bastion of large-growth, mature trees in New York City is difficult with the proliferation of invasive species and hard human use, according to biologists. They suggest the situation warrants a plan in collaboration with those studying the park.