In season one of Forestcast, entomologists showed us the ways we slow insects from attacking and killing trees. This season, we’ll meet another set of scientists, scientists who have been attacking the issue of non-native invasive insects and pathogens from a different angle. Chemicals and biological control can buy trees time, but they cannot completely control the non-native insects that are attacking trees that have never experienced these insects before. We need something on top of those controls, and these scientists, they’ve been working towards a solution — a long-term resistance.

What is it? Well, it’s simple. At least, a simple idea: use trees.

Related Research:

• “Proceedings of the Sixth International Workshop on the Genetics of Host-Parasite Interactions in Forestry—Tree Resistance to Insects and Diseases: Putting Promise into Practice” (2020)

Scientists:

• Jennifer Koch, Research Biologist, Northern Research Station, Delaware, Ohio
• Kathleen Knight, Research Ecologist, Northern Research Station, Delaware, Ohio
• Leila Pinchot, Research Ecologist, Northern Research Station, Delaware, Ohio
• Charlie Flower, Research Ecologist, Northern Research Station, Delaware, Ohio

Produced by the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station.

Want more information? Visit us at https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/nrs/products/multimedia/podcasts/forestcast-season-2-backcross-episode-1-tree-species-restoration

Questions or ideas for the show? Connect with Jon at: jonathan.yales@usda.gov