Nebraskaland

Nebraskaland May 2019

NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.

Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1107649

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 57 of 63

58 Nebraskaland • May 2019 Invasive species are a serious threat to Nebraska, with the potential to cause millions of dollars in damage to the state's agricultural and natural resources. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture Entomology Program annually conducts surveys to monitor for the introduction of invasive plant pests. Early detection of these pests is vital to either successfully eradicate or limit the spread. The Department of Agriculture coordinates with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to monitor for invasive insects at state parks and recreation areas, which are considered high risk for invasive pest introductions. Most insect traps are in place by late May and remain in place until October. A large purple prism trap in the canopy of an ash tree is part of the department's survey for emerald ash borer. The larvae of this insect is easily transported in firewood, making campgrounds a likely spot for the introduction of this pest. Another large trap that can be found in parks around the state is the black cross vein panel trap. This trap is roughly three feet in height, and hung from a heavy metal pole near hardwood trees. The target of this trap is the velvet longhorn beetle, an invasive beetle found in South Dakota in 2018. Lindgren funnel traps have four to eight black funnels arranged in an accordion style, with a collection cup at the bottom. The trap's appearance mimics a tree trunk. Each trap is baited with a lure to attract either the walnut twig beetle or oak ambrosia beetle. A small, triangular trap tucked into hardwood foliage is likely a Gypsy moth trap. This delta trap is baited with a pheromone lure to attract male gypsy moths. More than 500 of these traps will be set statewide. Each of these traps is part of an early detection program to protect our state from invasive species. While the traps may cause a few second looks, they pose no danger to people. For more information on the plan pest survey program, visit the Department of Agriculture's website at nda.nebraska. gov/plant/entomology/pest_survey/index.html. INVASIVE SPECIES THREATEN NEBRASKA By Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist, Nebraska Department of Agriculture KARLA SALP, WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BUGWOOD.ORG UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOREST ENTOMOLOGY LAB, UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS, BUGWOOD.ORG KENNETH E. GIBSON, USDA FOREST SERVICE, BUGWOOD.ORG MIXED BAG

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

view archives of Nebraskaland - Nebraskaland May 2019