Talking invasive species prevention with University of Minnesota

National Invasive Species Awareness Week begins Monday, February 24. It’s a time to learn about the spread of invasive species, the potential threat they pose to our ecosystems and resources, and the work researchers are doing to find solutions.

Amy Morey, a research associate with the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC) in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, answers questions about terrestrial, or land-dwelling, invasive species and the latest research helping to slow their spread.

Q: How do invasive species impact Minnesota’s agricultural and natural resources?
Dr. Morey: Invasive species — whether plants, microbes or animals — are species that can cause harm in areas where they are not native. In Minnesota’s terrestrial landscapes, invasive species may directly consume native species or outcompete them for essential resources like sunlight, water and nutrients. They can dramatically alter habitats, like forests, wetlands and prairies. This can increase wildfire risk, pollute waterways and change important soil properties. Significant yield losses to crops and livestock production can happen from invasive species, and some species can also damage property and reduce land values. So, they can be quite a problem! 

Q: Which species are the most threatening to our state and why? 
Dr. Morey: Many invasive species already cause major problems in Minnesota. Unfortunately, more are on the horizon. Emerald ash borer, non-native earthworms, and the oak wilt pathogen, for example, are present in the state and spreading, causing a lot of harm to our forests and trees along the way. Soybean aphid and the spotted wing drosophila fly are very costly problems in soybean and soft fruit production, respectively. Other species aren’t here yet or are very limited in where they occur in the state, and we’d like to keep it that way for as long as possible. Mountain pine beetle, for example, could devastate our pine forests if it were to become established. Which species pose the greatest threat can be a matter of perspective. We focus our research using a prioritized list of threats to the state, which you can learn more about on our website. 

Q: Brown marmorated stink bug is found this time of year — what should people do when they see it?
Dr. Morey: BMSB, as they are also called, is an invasive insect found across most of the United States. They eat a wide variety of plants, including many horticultural and agricultural crops. During winter, BMSB seeks sheltered areas to survive. Human houses and other structures have many nooks and crannies that are the perfect winter getaways. They can’t bite or sting you, though their smell can be unpleasant. Importantly, the more BMSB that survive the winter, the more bugs to reproduce and build potentially damaging populations in the spring. If you see one, capture it in a container and pop it in your freezer overnight to kill it. They often cluster, so consider a canister vacuum if you come across a lot. Then, just leave the sealed canister outside when the temperature drops to single digits. 

Q: Is there anything gardeners should know before spring planting? 
Dr. Morey: I fully empathize with the excitement around new plants for your landscape! However, most invasive plants in the U.S. got their start in the ornamental trade — those plants and seeds can also unintentionally carry harmful critters and diseases. It’s a complex issue, but we as consumers play a crucial role in preventing the spread of invasive species.

The internet makes it very easy to buy things from around the world. In fact, we are researching ways invasive plants come into Minnesota through online sources, despite known harms or even regulation. Only buy plants and seeds when you are confident about their identity and origin. Double-check the species name against noxious and invasive plants lists for Minnesota, or simply search online for the plant’s name along with the word “invasive.” Focus on buying plants that are native to our region. You can learn more about our research on invasive plants and e-commerce at https://z.umn.edu/e-commerce-invasive-pathways. Also, the MN Department of Agriculture recently produced a helpful podcast episode, “Making Plans for a Healthy Garden.” 

Q: How is the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center working toward a healthier Minnesota environment?
Dr. Morey: We have a lot of exciting projects! Many are just beginning, such as using remote sensing to map invasive plants, using eDNA to detect invasive invertebrates, and assessing the safety of a biological control option for brown marmorated stink bug. Other projects have been through multiple phases, demonstrating the benefit of long-term research investment. Some examples include using native plants to prevent buckthorn from reinvading, improving our understanding of the corn tar spot pathogen, selecting elms resistant to the Dutch elm disease, and developing new genetic tools to control spotted wing drosophila. Subscribing to our monthly newsletter is the best way to keep up with the latest from our teams.

Amy Morey is a staff researcher at MITPPC and a member of the board of directors for the North American Invasive Species Management Association. Her areas of expertise include entomology, pest management and ecological risk assessment.

About the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center
The Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center was founded by the Minnesota Legislature to research the prevention, detection and control of terrestrial invasive species. MITPPC researchers use transformative science to prevent and minimize the threats posed by land-based invasive plants, pathogens, and pests. Founded in 2015, MITPPC is the only research center of its kind in the country, and the center's work to protect the state's native prairies, forests, wetlands, and agricultural resources benefits all of Minnesota and beyond. MITPPC receives program support from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Learn more at mitppc.umn.edu.

About the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences 
The University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences strives to inspire minds, nourish people, and sustainably enhance the natural environment. CFANS has a legacy of innovation, bringing discoveries to life through science and educating the next generation of leaders. Every day, students, faculty, and researchers use science to address the grand challenges of the world today and in the future. CFANS offers an unparalleled expanse of experiential learning opportunities for students and the community, with 12 academic departments, 10 research and outreach centers across the state, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers. Learn more at cfans.umn.edu.

About “Talking...with U of M”
“Talking...with U of M” is a resource whereby University of Minnesota faculty answer questions on current and other topics of general interest. Feel free to republish this content. If you would like to schedule an interview with the faculty member or have topics you’d like the University of Minnesota to explore for future “Talking...with U of M,” please contact University Public Relations at [email protected].