From the Editors

Number 7, March 2014 From the Editors

This newsletter is designed to keep to join resources and skills to advance a Newsletter Editors managers and other users up-to-date with mutual interest, such as investigating and Dean Pearson, Research Ecologist recently completed and ongoing research managing invasive species. A perusal USDA Forest Service—RMRS by RMRS scientists, as well as highlight of the locations and affiliations of the Missoula, MT 59801 breaking news related to invasive species authors of the papers described below Phone: 406-542-4159 issues. The newsletter is produced by the provides a quick indication of the wide Email: [email protected] RMRS Invasive Species Working Group variety of partnerships, several of which http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/invasive-species/ (ISWG), which is a core group of scientists are international. The acknowledgements who volunteer to coordinate outreach section of each research paper recognizes Yvette Ortega, Ecologist of RMRS invasive species science to the important role of partnerships in our USDA Forest Service—RMRS Missoula, MT 59801 managers and the public through this scientific endeavors. We always encourage Phone: 406-542-4152 newsletter, our website, and periodic white feedback on ways to improve this service Email: [email protected] papers. All of our products, including current and encourage anyone who wishes to be and past issues of the newsletters and lists an active participant in developing these Jack Butler, Research Ecologist of publications, can be found at http://www. products to join the ISWG. If you have USDA Forest Service—RMRS fs.fed.us/rm/invasive-species/. In this and comments or questions, please contact Rapid City, SD 57702 future issues of the Newsletter we want the ISWG team leader, Dean Pearson, Phone: 605-716-2160 to continue to recognize partnerships and [email protected]. Email: [email protected] emphasize their importance in addressing invasive species issues. Partnerships USDA Forest Service—RMRS Invasive Species Working Group are extremely valuable arrangements that allow individuals and organizations Team Leader Dean Pearson, Research Ecologist USDA Forest Service—RMRS

Invasive Species Webinar Series February 27, 2014: Rapid evolution of Production biocontrol insects in response to climate The USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain change—Peter McEvoy Publishing Services Research Station is pleased to announce USDA Forest Service—RMRS a new webinar series: Invasive Plants— March 13, 2014: Merging chemical ecology Issues, Challenges, and Discoveries. This and biocontrol to predict efficacy and climate free interactive series, which includes effects—Justin Runyon seven webinars, will provide attendees with cutting-edge information about March 27, 2014: Hybridization in weedy invasive plants and their management. We species—Sarah Ward encourage land managers, professionals, scientists, and other interested people to April 10, 2014: Biogeography of plant attend. For more information including invasions—Dean Pearson past webinars in the series, visit http:// www.fs.fed.us/rmrs/webinar-series/ April 24, 2014: Pathogen-based biological invasive-species/ or contact Carly control of grassy weeds—Susan Meyer Woodlief, webinar technical coordinator, at [email protected] or 505-724-3734. May 8, 2014: Classical biological control of weeds—Sharlene Sing Webinar Series Schedule (All webinars will begin at 12:00 pm Mountain Time):

1 Research Notes Mexican Armillaria sp. as an Invasive Species Threat

By: Ned Klopfenstein (nklopfenstein@ fs.fed.us), RMRS Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Moscow, ID. The fungal pathogens that cause Armil- laria root disease on diverse tree hosts M around the world are known as potential invasive pathogens. These pathogens cause wood decay, reduced growth, and increased Es mortality, especially in trees already weak- Armillaria root disease is found in fruit orchards established in areas where native forests are cleared ened by competition and other pests. In in the State of Mexico, Mexico. e many areas, surveys of the native Armil- ta laria species are lacking, so it is difficult to recognize when an Armillaria species do is invasive. In recent years, DNA-based diagnostics have allowed for the precise x identification of Armillaria species present de on a site. For example, an Armillaria species was recently reported for the first time M in Arizona. DNA-based diagnostics were i also used in an ongoing collaborative study ex with Colegio de Postgraduados (Montecil- lo, Texcoco, Mexico) to identify Armillaria species associated with root disease in peach ic orchards in the State of México, Mexico. c

For part of his Ph.D. study, Rubén D. Elías- Left: Rubéno D. Elías-Román, Ph.D., conducts DNA analysis of Armillaria species from Mexico. Román conducted DNA-based analysis in Right: Mushrooms of an undescribed Armillaria species frequently isolated from infected peach the Moscow Forest Pathology Laboratory (Prunus persica) trees in Mexico State, Mexico. with Ned Klopfenstein, John Hanna, Sara Ashiglar, Amy Ross-Davis, and Mee-Sook o laria species is of great interest because it it represents a potential invasive species Kim (Kookmin University, Seoul, South represents an invasive species threat for threat. For more information on this re- Korea). Most notably, this study showed many global areas where it is not known search, see Nelson and others (2013) and that a previously undescribed species of to occur. Continued studies will formally Elías-Román and others (2012, 2013a, Armillaria was causing most of the root dis- describe this species and further document 2013b) listed in the Recent Publications ease on peach (Prunus persica) trees. The its distribution and geographic areas where section on pages 8 and 9. characterization of this undescribed Armil-

Tracking the Worldwide (Eucalyptus spp.), rose apple (Syzygium disease on eucalypt was derived from the Distribution of an Invasive Rust spp.), allspice (Pimenta dioica), paperbark rust disease on guava, which appears to (Melaleuca spp.), and dozens of other spe- be native in Brazil. Collaboration among Pathogen of Diverse Myrtaceous cies. This rust pathogen is of worldwide RMRS (Amy Ross-Davis, John Hanna, Trees and Shrubs concern because it has invaded Hawaii, and Ned Klopfenstein), Kookmin Uni- where it can infect the native ohia tree versity in Seoul, South Korea (Mee-Sook By: Amy Ross-Davis (arossdavis@ (Metrosideros polymorpha), and it has Kim, RMRS collaborator), Universidade fs.fed.us), RMRS Forestry Sciences recently invaded Australia, a center of di- Federal de Viçosa in MG, Brazil, USFS Laboratory Moscow, ID. versity for myrtaceous trees and shrubs, FHP-Region 5 (Phil Cannon), and Wash- RMRS Forest Pathology Laboratory in as well as China (Hainan Province), New ington State University resulted in a recent Moscow, ID, is continuing international Caledonia, and South Africa. This rust dis- publication that concludes the rust disease collaborations to examine genetic rela- ease became a commercial concern when on eucalypt in Brazil did not originate tionships among populations of Puccinia it began impacting eucalypts in Brazil and from guava. Furthermore, genetic studies psidii, the invasive rust pathogen of sever- other South American countries where show that the invasive rust pathogen in al tree and shrub species in the Myrtaceae, eucalypt plantations are the major source Hawaii is genetically distinct from known including guava (Psidium spp.), eucalypt, of fiber. It was long believed that the rust genotypes in Brazil. Thus, although the

2 rust pathogen in Hawaii is unlikely to have come from Brazil, the distinct bio- types in Brazil may represent an additional invasive threat to Hawaii and elsewhere. Ongoing studies are examining the genetic diversity of guava-eucalypt-myrtle rust pathogens derived from diverse hosts and geographic origins to determine the genetic relationships, potential pathways of spread, and geographic areas that are at risk from invasion. Recently, this rust pathogen was documented on a new host in Florida. For more information on this Left photo, Amy Ross-Davis, RMRS collaborator, extracting DNA from a sample of the rust pathogen, research, see Hanna and others (2012), Puccinia psidii. Right photo, rust disease on guava caused by P. psidii; photos by A.C. Alfenas Graça and others (2013), and Rayamajhi (coauthor). and others (2013) listed in the Recent Pub- lications section on pages 8 and 9.

Invasive Forest Pathogen Forest Service, Forest Health Protection workshops on Pacific islands of Guam, Workshops—Pacific Islands (FHP), Region 5 and the Western Wild- Saipan (U.S. Territories), Yap, Pohnpei, lands Environmental Threat Assessment Kosrae (Federated States of Micronesia), By: Mee-Sook Kim (mkim@kookmin. Center (WWETAC), an international col- Palau, and Philippines. Among the many ac.kr), College of Forest Science, Kook- laborative effort is being coordinated by pathogens found, the aggressive fungal min University, Korea, and RMRS For- RMRS to begin surveys of potentially pathogen Phellinus noxius, which causes estry Science Laboratory Collaborator, invasive, root- and butt-rot pathogens in brown root rot disease of diverse tree spe- Moscow, ID. diverse forests of multiple Pacific islands, cies (e.g., breadfruit tree—Artocarpus Island forests are especially vulner- and conduct workshops to enhance local altilis, flame tree—Delonix regia) in trop- able to invasive pathogens because often collaboration for surveys and collections ical and subtropical areas, is of primary native tree species have evolved in the of resident fungal pathogens. In September concern, especially because this patho- absence of pathogens found elsewhere. 2013, a team of root- and butt-rot experts, gen has not yet been reported in Hawaii. Furthermore, the distributions of forest including Ned Klopfenstein (Research Diverse fungal pathogens were collected pathogens on many islands are not well Plant Pathologist, RMRS), Mee-Sook and sent to the RMRS Moscow Forest known, frequently because islands do not Kim (RMRS collaborator, Kookmin Uni- Pathology Laboratory (Ned Klopfenstein, have forest health professionals on site or versity, Seoul, South Korea), Phil Cannon John Hanna, Sara Ashiglar, and Amy ready access to DNA-based diagnostics of (FHP Regional Plant Pathologist, Region Ross-Davis), where they will be identified forest pathogens. On most Pacific islands, 5), Prof. Robert Schlub (University of by DNA-based diagnostics. Continued fungal pathogens that cause root- and butt- Guam), and Yuko Ota and Norio Sahashi international collaborations will help de- rot disease are of special concern because (Forestry and Forest Products Research termine the pathway of spread of P. noxius of potential long-term damage to diverse Institute, Tsukuba, Japan) was convened and perhaps other potentially invasive for- tree species. With support from the USDA to survey, collect samples, and conduct est pathogens.

Left photo, the root- and butt-rot team met with Ambassador Rosen of the Federated States of Native student from Northern Marianas College Micronesia (front row center) to discuss the threats posed by invasive forest pathogens. Right photo, assists in sample collection. the team with native Pohnpeians in front of a nihn tree (Ficus tinctoria) with brown root rot disease.

3 Is Pyrenophora semeniperda the banks in and out of die-off areas revealed Using Long-Term Data Sets to Cause of Downy Brome (Bromus no evidence that the activity of the Black Characterize Plant Invasion Fingers pathogen was related to die-off tectorum) Die-offs? events. This study improved our limited Processes in Western USA understanding of die-offs by noting that Rangelands By: Owen Baughman (owbaughman@ the phenomenon does not directly impact gmail.com) and Susan Meyer (smey- By: Stan Kitchen ([email protected]), [email protected]), RMRS Forestry Sciences the persistent (or carry over) seed bank, and that some sites recover to cheatgrass RMRS Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Laboratory, Provo, UT. Provo, UT. dominance the next season while others Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is the experience multiple years of stand failure. Data collected from long-term ex- most abundant exotic plant species in the It also revealed that, while Black Fingers perimental areas provide opportunities natural landscapes of the western United does not directly cause die-offs, it is prob- to study changing vegetation patterns States, occurring in near-monoculture in- ably a major player in determining the rate through time. Of particular interest for festations over very large areas. Research of post-die-off stand recovery from the arid rangelands are the changes associated by RMRS scientists at the Shrub Sciences carry over seed bank. with the introduction of invasive plant Laboratory in Provo, UT (S. Meyer, D. This research effort represented one of species. In a recently published study, Nelson), along with researchers at Gon- the first organized investigations of die- temporal patterns of invasion by seven zaga University (J. Beckstead, C. Molder offs, and it helped generate a multitude plant species were extracted from long- and C. Smith), Brigham Young University of new questions and research interests term vegetation records for five western (P. Allen), and Idaho Army National Guard that were successfully funded in 2011 USA sites, including the RMRS Desert (D. Quinney, J. Weaver) determined the under the USDI Bureau of Land Man- Experimental Range. Records for each fungal seed pathogen Pyrenophora se- agement’s ongoing Integrated Cheatgrass site were long, spanning 41 to 86 years. meniperda to be a significant predator of Die-off Project. This multifaceted and col- Researchers, including RMRS Research cheatgrass seeds. Their research hinted at laborative project led by Meyer combines Botanist Stan Kitchen, compared patterns the possibility that this pathogen, known microbial ecology and genetics (B. Geary, of species occurrence and abundance to a by its spooky moniker “Black Fingers of Z. Aanderud, J. Franke, and J. Nicholson, logistic growth curve hypothesized to pre- Death,” could serve as a biological control BYU; J Beckstead, Gonzaga U), native dict the progression of species invasion to reduce cheatgrass seed banks. restoration (E. Leger and O. Baughman, and dominance through classic phases of Cheatgrass “die-off” is a frequent University of Nevada Reno), and remote introduction, expansion, and saturation. but poorly understood phenomenon in sensing ecology (P. Weisberg and T. Dilts, This idealized model was derived from cheatgrass near-monocultures, wherein UNR) to determine the patterns, causes observed patterns of occurrence and abun- complete stand failure results in a lack of and consequences of die-offs. This project dance taken from historical accounts and cheatgrass growth for one or more years. In has already revealed a new suite of cheat- the frequency of specimens preserved summer 2008, Meyer and then-University grass fungal pathogens that are candidates in regional herbaria. The seven species of Idaho undergraduate O. Baughman in- as die-off causal agents, has yielding analyzed in the study included crested vestigated the seed banks of nine die-off cheatgrass-specific landscape analyses, wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), dwarf sites across the West to determine whether and is uncovering the promising restora- alyssum (Alyssum desertorum), cheatgrass the Black Fingers might be responsible tion potential associated with die-offs. For (Bromus tectorum), Lehmann lovegrass for the phenomenon. The pathogen was background information on this research, (Eragrostis lehmanniana), halogeton a significant predator of cheatgrass seeds see Beckstead and others (2007) and Meyer (Halogeton glomeratus), Russian thistle at all sites, but comparisons between and others (2007, 2008), listed on the last (Salsola tragus), and tumble mustard dormant and killed fractions of the seed page of the newsletter. (Sisymbrium altissimum) and represent a range of life-history strategies (namely annual and perennial, grass and forb, warm and cool-season species). Local-scale patterns observed in this study were mostly more complex than those predicted, including sporadic spikes and crashes in abundance suggesting that the logistic growth curve model was overly simplis- tic and therefore not particularly useful for predicting invasion processes at the spatial scale of individual sites. Rather, results in- fer that invasive plant occupation of these arid rangeland environments is subject to Left photo, downy brome seeds infested with the fungal seed pathogent. Right photo, researcher a suite of interacting drivers of vegetation recording data from field plots.

4 change (such as climate variability and grazing pressure) that vary through time and space. In addition to exploring patterns of plant invasion, the study exposed challenges and limitations associated with the retroactive analysis and interpretation of historical data collected from a wide range of sites and conditions using distinct methodologies. However, with the success of this project, researchers demonstrated that such challenges can be overcome and that the benefits of linking multiple sites Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) production in a for regional analyses are worth the extra peak year following above average winter and effort. For more information on this re- Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus) is a warm- spring precipitation at the Desert Experimental search, see Morris and others (2013) listed season, salt-loving annual that has invaded cold Range. Characteristic red coloration of deserts of North America since the 1930s. Here plant plants reaching maturity shows dominance in the Recent Publications section pages 8 density is relatively low (plants completely absent of saturation phase; however, abundance and 9. in background) during a dry year with limited warm- (and visibility) is drastically reduced in dry season soil moisture. Dry skeletons remain from years with the species persisting primarily as prior year’s growth. Before occupation by halogeton ungerminated seeds. this area of the Desert Experimental Range was dominated by winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata), a low-statured native shrub.

Sickleweed (Falcaria vulgaris) sual dominant on approximately 3200 ha of establishment characteristics of sickleweed. on the Fort Pierre National the FPNG. RMRS scientists partnered with Genetic analyses identified the number and FPNG biologists and South Dakota State location of potential sites of introductions, Grassland—A Case Study on a University faculty and students to develop while seed germination trials described Recently Introduced Plant Species an aggressive approach to investigating the the establishment and spread potential of biological and habitat characteristics of the species. Collectively, these studies will By: Jack Butler ([email protected]), sickleweed. The approach involved using help managers develop a range of manage- RMRS Forest and Grassland Research herbarium records of sickleweed to recon- ment alternatives that reduce establishment Laboratory, Rapid City, SD. struct the introduction history and potential of new populations and limit expansion of Many of our invasive plant species are pathways of spread. Using detailed field existing populations. The approach may often considered benign in their native surveys, researchers described the pattern also serve as a template for future evalu- range; consequently, basic biological and of abundance and distribution of the species ations of newly introduced species before ecological information that may provide and identified the factors that can predict they potentially become invasive. For more insight into their invasibility and potential the susceptibility of local and regional information on this research, see Butler and impact on native populations and commu- grassland communities to invasion by sick- others (2013), Sarbottam (2013), Sarbot- nities in their introduced range is lacking. leweed. This work was complemented by tam and Nepal (2013), and Sarbottam and This is especially true for recently arrived cutting-edge laboratory research on popu- others (2012) in the Recent Publications species in the early stages of establishment lation genetics and seed germination and section on pages 8 and 9. where there is no sharp contrast between the invaded and non-invaded condition. Docu- menting the pattern of invasion before the species becomes widespread helps identify traits that may contribute to understanding the success of recent invaders, while increasing our knowledge of the factors influencing invasibility. Such is the case for sickleweed (Falcaria vulgaris) on the Fort Pierre National Grasslands (FPNG) in South Dakota. Sickleweed was first record- ed in the United States in 1922 on a farm in south-central Pennsylvania and is now described as an introduced perennial in 16 states of the U.S. It was first documented in South Dakota in 1961 and was first collected on the FPNG in 1992. Approximately ten years later, sickleweed had become a vi- Sickleweed on the Fort Pierre National Grasslands, South Dakota. 5 Other News

Symposium on Russian Olive Control available online at http://www.invasive. Degradation in the Environment: Blind Through Facilitated Researcher- org/publications/xiiisymposium/. Research Spots and Emerging Opportunities” de- Stakeholder Dialogue Entomologist Sharlene Sing, Bozeman, scribes the major challenges of anticipat- an editor for these Proceedings, also co- ing the extent and pathways of pesticide Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) is authored abstracts for presentations on degradation and transformation under field a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub native several agent-weed systems. Additional conditions. One of the most compelling ar- to south-eastern Europe, central Asia and RMRS contributors include Research ticles is a review entitled “Wildlife Ecotoxi- the western Himalayas (Katz and Shafroth Ecologist Dean Pearson and Ecologist cology of Pesticides: Can We Track Effects 2003). Russian olive has been cultivated Yvette Ortega, Missoula, and Research to the Population Level and Beyond?” The for many centuries within its native range. Entomologist Justin Runyon, Bozeman. article discusses many of the unintended Selective breeding has produced cultivars These symposia, held every four years, side effects of pesticides on wildlife by link- with significantly larger fruits that are provide a forum for researchers and prac- ing the molecular actions of pesticides to consumed fresh or preserved in jam, titioners from around the world to gather their potential interference with biological fruit compote, or alcoholic beverages. and describe the results of scientific stud- processes, and how these actions can Russian olives intentionally introduced ies and progress in implementing ongo- potentially cross multiple levels of biologi- to North America in the late nineteenth ing weed biological control programs. The cal organization (individuals, populations, century originated from non-cultivated Proceedings document theories explored communities, and ecosystems). “wild” accessions. Russian olive is grown and problems encountered in conducting in North America primarily for horticultural weed biological control research over the purposes, in shelterbelts and as shade last 40 years, the most comprehensive re- Research Awards trees. In the past 50 years Russian cord available. olive has escaped cultivation and is now Justin Runyon, Forestry Sciences naturalized in 37 U.S. states and widely Strategies for Understanding and Laboratory, Bozeman, MT. established in at least 17 U.S. states and Controlling Species Invasion 5 Canadian provinces. Russian olive is Forest Service scientist Justin Runyon is a now categorized as a noxious weed in October 2013 issue of the GSD Update, a recipient of the Presidential Early Career four U.S. states (Colorado, Connecticut, newsletter produced by the RMRS Grass- Award for Scientists and Engineers (PE- New Mexico, Wyoming), in seven Utah land, Shrubland and Desert Ecosystems CASE), the highest honor bestowed by counties, and in Treasure County, MT. ARS Science Program is available at (http:// the United States Government on science (Dr. Kevin Delaney), RMRS (Dr. Sharlene www.fs.fed.us/rm/grassland-shrubland- and engineering professionals in the early Sing), and University of Idaho (Dr. Mark desert/). In this issue: Schwarzlaender) collaborators developed stages of their independent research ca- • Long-term Experimental Areas Add Val- a USDA NIFA AFRI conference proposal reers. Runyon, one of 102 recipients of the ue for Studying Species Invasions to fund a two-day symposium that would prestigious annual award, is a Research address such concerns. The symposium • Biological Control: Preference, Perfor- Entomologist at the Rocky Mountain Re- will be held on February 10-11, 2014, in mance and Confounding Influences search Station’s Forestry Sciences Labo- Spokane, WA, as part of the 3rd Conference ratory in Bozeman, Montana. The winners • Is All Cheatgrass Created Equal, or Are of the Northern Rockies Invasive Plant receive their awards at a Washington, DC, Some Cheatgrass Ecotypes More Equal Council, bringing together researchers ceremony later this year. “The impressive Than Others? and land managers to exchange scientific achievements of these early-stage scien- evidence on the beneficial and detrimental • Mountain Pine Beetle Outbreaks Affect tists and engineers are promising indica- impacts of the weed, to inform on the goals Invasive Plants tors of even greater successes ahead,” of biological control, identify research President Obama said. “We are grateful • Nonnative Plants: A Pro or Con for Ripar- gaps, and to discuss potential conflicts of for their commitment to generating the sci- ian-nesting Birds? interest. The overall goal of the symposium entific and technical advancements that is to accurately identify and bring together • News of Other Projects will ensure America’s global leadership for many years to come.” at the early stage of this biological control • Recent GSD Publications project key national and regional groups and organizations that may affect or can The Pesticide Paradox be affected by a Russian olive biological control program. For more information A Special Section in the Volume 341 (16 contact Sharlene Sing, Forestry Sciences August 2013) issue of Science includes Laboratory, Bozeman, MT ([email protected]. a collection of reviews, news stories, and us). research papers on reducing the negative consequences of using pesticides. Articles Bio-control Proceedings Available in the special section that may be of par- On-line ticular interest include “The War Against Weeds Down Under,” an article on devel- The XIII Proceedings of the Internation- oping effective strategies to cope with her- al Symposium on Biological Control of bicide resistance weeds in western Austra- Weeds, published earlier this year, is now lia. A review entitled “Evaluating Pesticide

6 Runyon’s research focuses on the chemi- Susan Meyer, Forestry Science New RMRS Scientist cal ecology of plant-insect interactions. Laboratory, Missoula, MT. He explores the ecological interactions Dr. Francis Kilkenny recently accepted a between invasive plants and herbivores Research Ecologist, Susan Meyer, Provo, research biologist position with the RMRS to improve use of biocontrol as a manage- widely recognized for her research on us- Grassland, Shrubland and Desert Ecosys- ment tool. He also examines how bark ing a native fungal seed pathogen as a tems Science Program in Boise. Francis beetle attack changes the chemistry of control agent for downy brome (see Re- received his Bachelor’s Degree in Envi- trees and how these changes affect tree search Note above and New York Times ronmental Studies with Honors from the flammability to better predict and manage article http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/31/ University of California at Santa Cruz; his wildfires. science/earth/a-fungus-emerges-as- Certificate of Study in Geographical In- weapon-against-cheatgrass.html?_ formation Systems and Remote Sensing The PECASE awards, established by r=3&ref=science&), recently received the from Humboldt State University in Arcata, President Clinton in 1996, are coordinated Forest Service Excellence in Rare Plant California, where he was a Mark B. Rhea by the Office of Science and Technology Management Award for outstanding, dedi- Fellow; and his Ph.D. in Biology from the Policy within the Executive Office of the cated leadership in rare plant manage- University of Virginia in Charlottesville, President. Awardees are selected for their ment. Susan helped develop an informa- where he was a Presidential Fellow. His pursuit of innovative research at the fron- tion base for managing the sagebrush research interests include: impacts of cli- tiers of science and technology and their steppe endemic Slickspot Peppergrass mate change on native and invasive plant commitment to community service as dem- (Lepidium papilliferum) in southwestern species; the evolution of local adaptation in onstrated through scientific leadership, Idaho. She worked closely with collabora- native and invasive plant species; pollina- public education, or community outreach. tors on studies examining habitat require- tion biology of herbaceous and long-lived ments, demography, seed bank dynam- clonal plants; evolutionary consequences Dean Pearson, Forestry Sciences ics, and long-term population trends for of density and intraspecific competition; Laboratory, Missoula, MT. this ephemeral species. Her studies were fundamental niche modeling; and the used extensively in the process for listing projection of species range shifts due to Dean Pearson received the National For- Slickspot Peppergrass under the Endan- climate change. His Ph.D. dissertation est System Invasive Species Program gered Species Act. Susan served on the focused on the evolution and population Award for Landscape Restoration and multi-agency Working Group for the spe- genetics of the invasive vine Japanese Rehabilitation Against Invasive Species, cies, was involved in the development of honeysuckle in eastern North America. As 2012, in recognition of his high level of its Cooperative Management Plan, and a post-doctoral research geneticist with the leadership and expertise on invasion bi- contributed to and critically reviewed sev- Pacific Northwest Research Station from ology and invasive species management, eral renditions of “best available informa- 2011-2013, he studied the adaptation of linking management concepts to long-term tion” documents for the U.S. Fish and native grass and tree populations to local landscape restoration and rehabilitation. Wildlife Service. She also worked on many climates, and used these data to develop other rare plant species and demonstrated seed transfer guidelines and model the im- the importance of persistent seed banks in pacts of changing climates on these spe- the management of rare plants of semiarid cies. Francis reported for his new job on and arid environments, which was largely June 16, 2013. unrecognized prior to her work.

Ask The Expert

Q: I am a new Forest Service employee and I am new to the area. I have several questions about the ecology and management of the non-native species where I work. How do I get acquainted with the scientists and their research?

A: Your first stop will likely be our website http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/invasive-species/( ). There you will find previous issues of this newsletter and research publications authored by RMRS scientists and their research partners. While on the website, you will also likely want to download a copy of our Research Summary and Expertise Directory. In this document, you will find research summaries on invasive plants, pathogens, insects, aquatic species, and terrestrial vertebrates. You will also find the names and contact information for 45 RMRS scientists who are currently researching invasive species. Please feel free to phone or email them regarding any questions you may have. You can also search for information on a specific invasive species using Treesearch (http://www.treesearch. fs.fed.us/).

7 Recent Publications

Baughman, O. W., and S. E. Meyer. ers. Proceedings of 59th Western Maron, J.L., D.E. Pearson, T. Potter, Y.K. 2013. Is Pyrenophora semeni- International Forest Disease Work Ortega. 2012. Seed size and prov- perda the Cause of Downy Brome Conference. 11-14 October 2011, enance mediate the joint effects (Bromus tectorum) Die-offs? Leavenworth, WA, USA. USDA of disturbance and seed predation Invasive Plant Science and Man- Forest Service, Forest Health Pro- on community assembly. Journal agement 6:105-111. tection, Region 5, Portland, OR. of Ecology 100:1492-1500. Beckstead, J., S. E. Meyer, C. J. Molder, Elías-Román, R.D.; Klopfenstein, N.B.; Meyer, S. E., J. Beckstead, P. S. Allen, and C. Smith. 2007. A race for Kim, M.-S.; Alvarado-Rosales, D.; and D. C. Smith. 2008. A seed survival: Can Bromus tecto- Hanna, J.W.; Amy L. Ross-Davis, bank pathogen causes seedborne rum seeds escape Pyrenophora A.L.; Guzmán-Plazola, R.A.; disease: Pyrenophora semeniper- semeniperda-caused mortality by Calderón-Zavala, G.; Mora-Agu- da on undispersed grass seeds in germinating quickly? Annals of ilera, A. 2013b. DNA-based identi- western North America. Canadian Botany 99:907-914. fication ofArmillaria Isolates from Journal of Plant Pathology-Revue peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] Canadienne De Phytopathologie Butler, Jack L., and Stefanie D. Wacker. orchards in México State, México. 30:525-533. 2013. Sickleweed on the Fort pp. 145-147 in: Browning, J.; Pierre National Grasslands: an Meyer, S. E., D. Quinney, D. L. Nelson, Palacios, P. compilers. Proceed- Emerging Threat. The Prairie Natu- and J. Weaver. 2007. Impact of the ings of the 60th annual Western ralist 45:28-38 pathogen Pyrenophora semeniper- International Forest Disease Work da on Bromus tectorum seedbank Case, A.E.; Ashiglar, S.M.; Cannon, Conference, 8-12 October 2012, dynamics in North American cold P.G.; Militante, E.P.; Tadiosa, E.R.; Tahoe City, CA. deserts. Weed Research 47:54-62. Quintos-Manalo, M.; Pampolina, Graça, R.N., A.L. Ross-Davis, N.B. N.M.; Hanna, J.W.; Brooks, F.E.; Morris, C., L.R. Morris, A.J. Leffler, Klopfenstein, M.-S. Kim, T.L. Ross-Davis, A.L Kim, M.-S.; C.D. Holifield, A.D. Forman, Peever, P.G. Cannon, C.P. Aun, Klopfenstein, N.B. 2013. DNA- M.A. Weltz, and S.G. Kitchen. E.S.G. Mizubuti, A.C. Alfenas. In based approaches to identify for- 2013. Using long-term datasets press. Rust disease of eucalypts, est fungi in Pacific islands: a pilot to study exotic plant invasions on caused by Puccinia psidii, did study. pp. 149-151 in: Browning, rangelands in the western United not originate via host jump from J.; Palacios, P., compilers. Proceed- State. Journal of Arid Envirnoments guava in Brazil. Molecular Ecology ings of the 60th annual Western 85:65-74. doi: 10.1111/mec.12545 International Forest Disease Work Nelson, E.V.; Fairweather, M.L.; Ashi- Conference, 8-12 October 2012, Hanna, J.W., R.N. Graça, M.-S. Kim, glar, S.M.; Hanna, J.W.; Klop- Tahoe City, CA. A.L. Ross-Davis, R.D. Hauf, J.W. fenstein, N.B. 2013. First Report Uchida, C.Y. Kadooka, M.B Ray- Elías-Román, R.D.; Guzmán-Plazola, of the Armillaria Root Disease amajhi, M. Arguedas Gamboa, R.A.; Klopfenstein, N.B.; Alvarado- Pathogen, Armillaria gallica, on D.J. Lodge, R. Medel Ortiz, A. Rosales, D.; Calderón-Zavala, G.; Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menzie- Lopez Ramírez, P.G. Cannon, A.C. Mora-Aguilera, J.A.; Kim, M.-S.; sii) in Arizona. Plant Disease 97: Alfenas, N.B. Klopfenstein. 2012. García-Espinosa, R. 2013a. Inci- 1658. A bioclimatic approach to pre- dence and phylogenetic analyses dict global regions with suitable Pearson, D.E., T. Potter, and J.M Maron. of Armillaria spp. associated with climate space for Puccina psidii. 2012. Biotic resistance: exclusion root disease in peach orchards in pp. 131-136 in: Zeglen, S.; Pala- of native rodent consumers releas- the State of Mexico, Mexico. For- cios, P., compilers. Proceedings of es populations of a weak invader. est Pathology 43: 390-401. 59th Western International Forest Journal of Ecology 100:1383- Elias-Roman, R.D.; N.B. Klopfenstein, Disease Work Conference. 11-14 1390. D. Alvarado-Rosales, M.-S. Kim, October 2011, Leavenworth, WA, Rayamajhi, M., P. Pratt, N.B. Klopfen- A.E. Case, S.M. Ashiglar, J.W USA. USDA Forest Service, Forest stein, A.L. Ross-Davis, L. Rodgers. Hanna, A.L. Ross-Davis, R.A. Health Protection, Region 5, Port- 2013. First Report of Puccinia Guzmán Plazola. 2012. DNA- land, OR. psidii epiphytotic on the invasive based identification of Armillaria Litt, A., and D. E. Pearson. 2013. shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa in isolates from peach orchards in Nonnative plants and wildlife in Florida. Plant Disease 97: 1379. México state. pp. 159-160 in: the Intermountain West. Wildlife Zeglen, S.; Palacios, P., compil- Society Bulletin 37:517-526.

8 Sarbottam, Piya. 2013. Introduction Sarbottam, Piya, Madhav P. Nebal, Sarbottam, P. and M.P. Nepal. 2013. history and population genetics of Achal Neupane, Gary E. Larson, Characterization of Nuclear and Falcaria vulgaris (Apiaceae) in the and Jack L. Butler. 2012. Inferring Chloroplast Microsatellite Mark- United States. M.S. Thesis, South introduction history and spread ers for Falcaria vulgaris (Apia- Dakota State University, Brook- of Falcaria vulgaris Bernh. (Apia- ceae). American Journal of Plant ings, South Dakota. ceae) in the United States based Science 4:590-595. on herbarium Records. Proceed- ings of the South Dakota Academy of Sciences. 91:113-129.

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