Researchers have discovered a fungus attacking Norway Maples in the United States. It causes tar spot disease and appears to be causing a decline in sapling and tree growth.
‘Tar Spot Disease on Norway Maple in North America: Quantifying the Impacts of a Reunion between an Invasive Tree Species and Its Adventive Natural Enemy in an Urban Forest’ Marie Lapointe and Jacques Brisson. Ecoscience Mar 2011 : Vol. 18, Issue 1, pg(s) 63-69 doi: 10.2980/18-1-3378.
A louse is about to be released as a biocontrol agent for Japanese knotweed, Reynoutria japonica, in the United Kingdom. The same insect is being tested for possible release in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
May 13, 2011. Science 332(6031): 781. DOI: 10.1126/science.332.6031.781
Visit the Tamarisk Coalition website, http://www.tamariskcoalition.org/index.html, for technical assistance on restoration of riparian areas invaded by tamarisk and other species. Their web site also has a list of grant opportunities for riparian restoration projects in the Colorado River basin.
Learn to id midwestern invasive plant species by watching YouTube! The University of Wisconsin cooperative extension has posted videos on how to id numerous species that are spreading along Wisconsin’s roadways. http://www.youtube.com/user/uwcoopextension#g/c/1AC111EB1F061A22
We will be using this blog to replace our Updates page to provide you with timely new news on invasive plants in North America. Look for new research, control techniques, and recent invasion news here!
