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Research Focus Areas

Invasive Insects

Our researchers are developing microbial controls for the gypsy moth, Douglas fir tussock moth, browntail moth, and the winter moth in forested landscapes in the Northeast and Midwest. Host tree tolerance/resistance to the emerald ash borer is also being studied.

Invasive Plants

For urban landscapes in the Northeast, we are focusing on multiflora rose, mile-a-minute weed, oriental bittersweet, stilt grass, and honeysuckle.

Pathogens

Our researchers are developing hardwood trees with resistance/tolerance to invasive pathogens through genetics, and generating methods to use pathogen and insect resistant/tolerant hardwood tree strains to restore tree species and/or landscapes in the forested and urban landscapesin the Northeast and Midwest.

Human-Caused Disturbance

Our research is focused on identifying and developing beneficial ectomycorrhizal fungi for reclamation and reforestation of mined lands. We are also developing improved methods to implement and monitor acid mine drainage remediation systems.