Forest Health 101

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid - Dr. Robert Jetton

The hemlock woolly adelgid is an invasive forest insect threatening hemlock forests in eastern North America. Join Demian and Dr. Robert Jetton from North Carolina State University on a discussion on the impacts and management of this insect. Robert’s lab: https://cnr.ncsu.edu/directory/robert-m-jetton/ [https://cnr.ncsu.edu/directory/robert-m-jetton/]

Pathogen Diagnostics with LAMP - Dr. Caterina Villari

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has become an increasingly popular tool for the diagnosis and surveillance of plant pathogens. Join Demian and Dr. Caterina Villari from University of Georgia on a discussion on how this technology is changing pathogen diagnostics. Villari lab: https://warnell.uga.edu/about/centers-labs/villari-forest-pathology-lab [https://warnell.uga.edu/about/centers-labs/villari-forest-pathology-lab]

How AI is Changing Insect Identification - Chris Marais

AI is everywhere today. From predictive texts to large language models. Image recognition for example, is starting to play a significant role in biodiversity and taxonomy. Join Demian and Chris Marais from University of Florida on a discussion on how AI is changing insect identification and taxonomy. UF Forest Entomology Lab: https://ambrosiasymbiosis.org/ [https://ambrosiasymbiosis.org/] Bark Beetle Identification Tool: https://ambrosiasymbiosis.org/automated_identification/ [https://ambrosiasymbiosis.org/automated_identification/]

Brown Spot Needle Blight - Colton Meinecke

Brown Spot Needle Blight is a native fungal pathogen that is causing impacts on pine trees across the southeastern United States. Join Demian and Colton Meinecke from University of Georgia on a discussion on the epidemiology and management of brown spot. Colton’s contact info: Twitter/X @resinsoaked [https://twitter.com/resinsoaked] and @LabVillari [https://twitter.com/LabVillari] Resources: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry/brown-spot-needle-blight-of-loblolly-pine/ [https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry/brown-spot-needle-blight-of-loblolly-pine/]

Laurel Wilt in Avocado Orchards - Dr. Romina Gazis

Laurel wilt is a lethal vascular disease caused by Harringtonia lauricola. Since its introduction in 2004, this disease has killed millions of trees in the family Lauraceae, incuding redbay, avocado, and sassafras. Join Demian and Dr. Romina Gazis from University of Florida on a discussion on the impacts and management of laurel wilt. Romina's Lab: https://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/plantdiagnosticclinic/ [https://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/plantdiagnosticclinic/]