Butternut trees killed by butternut canker caused by
an exotic invasive fungus. Photo by M. Ostry |
Invasive
species - Exotic pathogens, plants, and insects are
non-native or alien species that have been introduced into new
ecosystems outside of their native range. They are invasive if
they become established and spread. Native species can also be
invasive. The diseases caused by both exotic and native
invasives can seriously damage our urban and rural forests,
reducing their ecological and economical value.
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Expanding pocket of oak wilt caused by a native invasive fungus.
Photo by J. Juzwik |
Oak
health in the Midwest - Oak trees provide wildlife habitat and
wood products, and they are important in landscapes. Oaks occur on
over 5 million hectares of land in this region. The quantity and quality of
this resource are threatened by oak wilt, oak decline, and
urbanization. We are working to reduce the
impacts of these factors on the oak resource in the region.
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Plantation of red pine with shoot blights, caused by native invasive
fungi. Photo by M. Ostry |
Diseases
and changing forest management in the Midwest - Just as forest
ecosystems constantly change over time, so too are the goods and services we desire from the forests. In response, forest managers are beginning to manage forests
differently than in the past to achieve these new
goals. New management includes growing trees to older ages,
creating stands of mixed ages and mixed species, and growing
trees in intensively managed plantations, similar to
agricultural row crops, for producing energy and fiber.
Some of these practices can inadvertently create conditions
conducive to the development of damaging diseases.
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