58 Southern Forest Insect Work Conference

Proceedings

58th Southern Forest Insect Work Conference

Melbourne

July 25 – 28, 2017 Crowne Plaza Melbourne – Oceanfront Melbourne, Florida PROCEEDINGS

58th Annual SOUTHERN FOREST INSECT WORK CONFERENCE

Crowne Plaza Melbourne – Oceanfront

Melbourne, Florida 25–28 July 2017

Elizabeth Benton and Lori Chamberlin, Program Chairs

Jiri Hulcr, Local Arrangements

Officers: 2015–2017

Chairman ...... Kier Klepzig (2014–2017) Secretary-Treasurer ...... Will Shepherd Counselors...... Jeffrey Eickwort (2013–2017) ...... Lynne Rieske-Kinney (2014–2018) ...... Kamal Gandhi (2015–2019)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Registration List ...... 1 Group Pictures ...... 2 Program ...... 9 Minutes 2017 and Awards ...... 45 Diversity and Inclusion Statement ...... 52

Treasurer's Report ...... 53

Historian's Report ...... 54 Common Names Committee Report ...... 56 Photo Salon Awards ...... 57 Officers and Committees, 2015-2017 ...... 58 Officers and Committees, 2017-2018 ...... 60

iii

iv Registration List, 58th SFIWC, Melbourne, Florida * = student, † = retired

Chris Asaro Jerome F Grant David Olson* Matthew P Ayres Anna Greis James Forest Palmer* Hannah Bares* Donald M Grosman Thomas L Payne† Brittany Barnes Laurel J Haavik Gretchen Pettis Chandler Barton Fred P Hain† Kevin Potter Craig Bateman* William W Hargrove Robert Rabaglia Chip Bates Shane Harrington Max Ragozzino* Elizabeth Benton Philip Hensley* KaDonna Randolph Jake Bodart Nathan Hoover James “Rusty” Rhea Consuelo Brandeis Jiri Hulcr Lynne K Rieske-Kinney Jessica Cancelliere David Jenkins Haley Ritger* Paige Carlson* Robert Jetton Sam Rivers* Paloma Carton de Carrie Jubb* Dieter Rudolph Grammont Kier D Klepzig Scott M Salom Stephen R Clarke Frank Koch William P Shepherd Mike Clutter David L Kulhavy James Slye Robert N Coulson Wayne Langston Ben Smith David R Coyle You Li* Lawrence Allen Smith Brent Cutrer Vanessa Lopez Sylvia Staples Jeffrey Dean Rima Lucardi Fred Stephen Natalie Dearing* Alice Mandt Katie E Termer Luke Dodd Todd Matthews Ashley Toland* Kerry Dooley Bud Mayfield David Torok Don Duerr Bailey McNichol* Robert Trickel Tom Eager Paul Merten Caterina Villari Lori G Eckhardt Carey Minteer James T “JT” Vogt Jeffrey M Eickwort Katlin Mooneyham David Wakarchuk Jeremiah Foley* Holly Munro* Kimberly F Wallin Christine Fortuin* Dana Nelson Margot Wallston Shelby Fulton* Wesley A Nettleton† Holly Wantuch* Kamal J K Gandhi Leslie Newton Thomas D Whitney* Zaina Gates John Nowak Alan Wilson

20 students, 3 retirees, and 72 professional members = 95 registered participants

1 SFIWC 2017 Group Pictures

Figure 1 Front Row (left to right): Holly Munro, Bailey McNichol, Scott Salom, Lynne Rieske-Kinney, Bob Rabaglia, Chris Asaro Back Row (left to right): Don Grosman, John Nowak, Elizabeth Benton, Margot Wallston, Christine Fortuin, Ben Smith

Figure 2 Front Row (left to right): Paul Merten, Jim Slye, Fred Hain, Craig Bateman, Thomas Whitney, Sam Rivers Back Row (left to right): Wayne Langston, Rusty Rhea, Will Shepherd, David Jenkins, Brent Cutrer, Nathan Hoover

Figure 3 Front Row (left to right): Shane Harrington, KaDonna Randolph, Jeremiah Foley, Ashley Toland, Max Ragozzino, Carrie Jubb Back Row (left to right): Robert Trickel, Natalie Dearing, Hannah Bares, Wes Nettleton, Anna Greis, Dieter Rudolph

Figure 4 Front Row (left to right): Paige Carlson, David Olson, Katlin Mooneyham, Jake Bodart, Caterina Villari, David Kulhavy Back Row (left to right): Katie Termer, Chandler Barton, Kamal Gandhi, Matt Ayres, Kier Klepzig, Shelby Fulton

Figure 5 Front Row (left to right): Zaina Gates, Jiri Hulcr, Haley Ritger, Paloma Carton de Grammont, Leslie Newton, Luke Dodd Back Row (left to right): Jerome Grant, Allen Smith, Bill Hargrove, Jeff Eickwort, Tom Eager, Bud Mayfield, Robert Jetton

Figure 6 Front Row (left to right): Chip Bates, Robert Coulson, Fred Stephen, David Wakarchuk Back Row (left to right): Vanessa Lopez, Frank Koch, Brittany Barnes

Figure 7 JT Vogt

Attendees not pictured: Consuelo Brandeis, Jessica Cancelliere, Steve Clarke, Mike Clutter, Dave Coyle, Jeff Dean, Kerry Dooley, Don Duerr, Lori Eckhardt, Laurel Haavik, Philip Hensley, You Li, Rima Lucardi, Alice Mandt, Todd Matthews, Carey Minteer, Dana Nelson, Forest Palmer, Tom Payne, Gretchen Pettis, Kevin Potter, Sylvia Staples, David Torok, Kimberly Wallin, Holly Wantuch, Alan Wilson

8 58th Annual Southern Forest Insect Work Conference July 25 – 28, 2017 Melbourne, Florida Program Tuesday, July 25th

1:00 – 2:45 Southern Pine Beetle Working Group - St. Croix/St. Thomas Organizer: John Nowak, USDA-FS-FHP

 Current SPB activity John Nowak, USDA-FS-FHP  Quantifying phenotypic variability in southern pine beetle populations Bailey McNichol, University of Georgia; Brian Sullivan, USDA-FS- SRS; John Nowak, USDA-FS-FHP; Brittany Barnes, Caterina Villari and Kamal J.K. Gandhi, University of Georgia  Southern pine beetle flight phenology Stephen Clarke, USDA-FS-FHP and John Riggins, John Thomason, University of Mississippi  Lure studies: We're caught in a trap Steve Clarke, USDA-FS-FHP  Discussion

3:00 - 7:00 Meeting Registration – Foyer Organizer: Will Shepherd, USDA-FS-SRS

4:30 – 5:00 Executive Team Meeting – Martinique/Trinidad Organizer: Kier Klepzig, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center

5:00 – 5:30 A.D. Hopkins Award Committee – St. Croix/St. Thomas Organizer: Lynne Rieske-Kinney, University of Kentucky

5:30 – 6:00 Roger F. Anderson Award Meeting - Martinique/Trinidad Organizer: Jerome Grant, University of Tennessee

6:00 – 8:00 Poster Set-up – St. Lucia/St. Martin Organizers: Luke Dodd, Eastern Kentucky University and Wood Johnson, USDA-FS-FHP

6:00 – 8:00 Mixer and Reception – Ocean Deck Pavilion

Wednesday, July 26th

Breakfast on your own

8:00 - Meeting Registration - Foyer Organizer: Will Shepherd, USDA-FS-SRS

8:00 – 8:15 Welcome Address to the Southern Forest Insect Work Conference - Barbados

Welcome to Florida: Jiri Hulcr, University of Florida Plenary Session Introduction: Elizabeth Benton, University of Georgia

8:15 – 8:45 Opening Business Meeting - Barbados

Kier Klepzig, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center

8:45 – 10:00 Plenary Session – Grand Challenges in Forest Health – Regional to Global Perspective - Barbados Organizers: Kamal Gandhi, Caterina Villari, Elizabeth Benton, University of Georgia and Lori Chamberlin, Virginia Department of Forestry

[Session Abstract: Grand challenges are fundamental problems whose solutions can lead to major breakthroughs and paradigm shifts. In the field of forest health, there are many intractable problems ranging from lack of control of native pestiferous species, continued invasion and damage by non-native species, and loss of native biodiversity. While our repertoire of technology and tools has expanded considerably, forest health problems have remained persistent and chronic in many regions. Concomitantly, funding levels have declined considerably, along with the erosion of general public’s perception of science. As SFIWC members, we have a unique opportunity to engage and empower diverse personnel from regional to national and global-levels to tackle current and future grand challenges in forest health. A highly proactive and collaborative approach may involve policymakers, scientists, industry, state and federal agencies, foresters, teachers, NGOs, K-12 students, and many more. Our goal for this 2017 session was to present and discuss three grand challenges in our field to promote out-of-the-box thinking and possible paradigm shifts. The grand challenges for this session included: (1) effects of global climatic change on forest health; (2) non-native species’ invasions; and (3) social and political aspects of forest health. The attendees were divided into small (<10 people) discussion groups to explore possible solutions to these three grand challenges in forest health. Each discussion group was moderated by a graduate student. Discussion groups proposed three critical problems for each grand challenge, as well as difficulties to solving each critical problem. Numerous critical problems were discussed, including globalization, incomplete understanding of native diversity, lack of public science literacy, early invasive species detection, impacts of climate change on plant stress, and effects of warmer temperatures on insect population dynamics. Groups developed approaches to solving each critical problem. While the individual grand challenges of social-political-economic issues, invasive species, and climate change

were discussed by different groups, similar themes were proposed across grand challenges. Effective marketing of science-based messages, increased outreach/education efforts, and integration of all facets of the forest health discipline with technological advances were common solutions. The proposed solutions were consistent with the overarching theme of increased communication across disciplines and with the public. Altering our communication methods and the degree to which scientists communicate with citizens at multiple levels is likely the most effective tactic to combating the grand challenges to forest health.]

Keynote Presentation Genomics-informed approaches for meeting the grand challenges in forest health Jeffrey Dean, Professor and Department Head, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology Mississippi State University

[Abstract: Advances in automated digital technologies for characterizing biological systems – so-called ‘omic approaches – are rapidly improving our ability to detail in high resolution the organismal interactions and environmental parameters that govern forest health. Researchers and natural resource managers who adopt and master these technologies now have the opportunity to tackle biome-scale forest health problems that were until recently considered unapproachable. For example, the miniaturization of DNA sequencers, such as in the Oxford Nanopore Minion™, and supporting laboratory equipment (e.g. the Bento Box www.bento.bio), coupled with cloud-based bioinformatics for genome analysis, allow researchers to take these advanced technologies to remote field sites where they can be used for real-time analyses, such as population structure surveys and epidemiological assessments. Metagenomic analyses of the microbiomes associated with the various denizens of forest ecosystems is one of the hottest fields to open up and will undoubtedly provide numerous opportunities to address forest health by manipulating beneficial microbial populations as is currently being done in agriculture. Information from these omics analyses can then be used in conjunction with advanced molecular genetic tools, such as RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9, to dissect resistance and susceptibility mechanisms and even manipulate those pathway to moderate pest and pathogen impacts forest. These molecular genetic tools also bring the possibility for creating ‘gene drives’ that could allow manipulation of the genetic structure of entire populations. However, the power to mobilize gene drives in open populations creates a variety of ethical issues that with require careful consideration and regulation, and forest managers of the future would be well advised to engage in the public debate on how these technologies might best be deployed in the interests of forest health. Our license to use the best technologies available will require open dialog with the public and each of us should commit to becoming deeply familiar with the biological, technological and sociological issues surrounding forest health so that we can help ensure that decisions come from an informed and thoughtful debate.]

Citizen science: The sum of us Kier Klepzig, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center and Caren Cooper, North Carolina State University and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

[Abstract: Citizen science or public participation in scientific research (PPSR) was first used in the field of oceanography during the early 18th century. Charts of whale activity, currents and tides all came from PPSR efforts. Citizen science achieves three things - produces knowledge, builds social capital, and enhances social justice. Knowledge confers power and that from citizen science is a double-whammy because it comes with social network and capital. Citizen science results in more local scale action, but it happens quickly. Scientist-generated knowledge results in bigger changes but takes longer to affect those changes. Distributed computing, involvement of citizens in gathering data (and even prisoners rearing and releasing butterflies), and online recognition of patterns in data can be powerful tools in scientific discovery. Recent efforts involve ecology and biological designs in the fashion industry. The wearers of clothing resulting from this effort will function first as science learners, and then as science teachers sharing verbal scientific knowledge about the garment. Ultimately, citizen science is still following the goals of mariners and scientists first involved in it: “to generalize the experience of navigators in such a manner that each may have before them, at a glance, the experience of all.”]

10:00 – 10:30 Break and Group Photos – St. Lucia/St. Martin Organizer: Brittany Barnes, University of Georgia

10:30 – 12:00 Plenary Session (continued) – Grand Challenges in Forest Health – Regional to Global Perspective - Barbados

Teaming up against the 10,000 overseas wood borer species that have not yet invaded the US Jiri Hulcr, Assistant Professor, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida

Grand Challenges Small Group Discussion

12:00 – 1:30 Lunch on your own

1:30 – 3:00 Graduate Student Session - Barbados Organizers: Robert Jetton, North Carolina State University, Haley Ritger and Bailey McNichol, University of Georgia

 Non-native ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) host selection and effects of prescribed fire on exotic proportion Hannah M. Bares, Richard L. Brown, Mississippi State University; Natalie A. Clay, Louisiana Tech University; Robin M. Verble- Pearson, Texas Tech University; and John J. Riggins, Mississippi State University

 Patterns in coevolution revealed from a global analysis of ambrosia beetles and fungi Craig C. Bateman, University of Florida; Sarah M. Smith, Michigan State University; Malena Martinez, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo; James Skelton, University of Florida; and Jiri Hulcr, University of Florida  Wild bees in managed southeastern forests: effects of roads and clearcuts on native bee abundance Christine Fortuin, Jamie Botsch, Elizabeth Benton, Keith Delaplane, University of Georgia; Berry Brosi, Emory University; and Kamal Gandhi, University of Georgia  Understanding relationships between insects and imperiled bats in a fire-managed central hardwoods forest Shelby Fulton and Luke Dodd, Eastern Kentucky University

[Abstract: Habitat use by bats is thought to be determined by forest structure rather than prey availability, but widespread mortality and shifting foraging behavior observed in the wake of White-nose Syndrome (WNS) may be accompanied by fundamental alterations to established bat-insect dynamics. Thus, our objective was to explore the relationship between bat assemblages and insect communities in the context of WNS as well as prescribed fire. We conducted acoustic bat surveys and concurrent insect sampling at Mammoth Cave National Park before and after the on-site detection of WNS. Echolocation calls were classified by phonic group (low-, mid-, or Myotis-frequency) and insects were identified to order. An information-theoretic approach to model selection indicated that bat phonic diversity was best predicted by WNS and the relative abundances of Coleoptera, Diptera, and Lepidoptera. This model suggests that phonic diversity has a positive relationship with Coleoptera and Lepidoptera, and a negative relationship with Diptera and WNS. However, WNS was the only significant term (P < 0.05), and a competing model included WNS alone (Δ AICc = 1.22, P < 0.05). A distance-based redundancy analysis modelling the phonic composition of the bat assemblage in relation to insect community composition, burn history, and WNS was significant under 999 permutations (P < 0.05). The first two components accounted for approximately 87% of the explainable inertia in the bat assemblage and distinguish varied responses for specific groups of both predator and prey. These results implicate WNS as the primary driver of bat assemblage composition, but also elucidate more subtle relationships between predator, prey, and prescribed fire. We suggest that conservation efforts emphasizing prey resources or land management are unlikely to have quantifiable impacts until bat populations have stabilized following initial detection of WNS, but may still have ecologically meaningful impacts on the long-term viability of local populations of imperiled bat species.]

 Assessment of the impact of predatory beetle, Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), on hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in the eastern U.S. Carrie Jubb, Virginia Tech; Albert Mayfield, USDA-FS-SRS; Gregory Wiggins, Jerome Grant, University of Tennessee; Joseph Elkinton,

University of Massachusetts; Tom McAvoy, Virginia Tech; Jeffrey Lombardo, University of Massachusetts; Bryan Mudder, USDA-FS- SRS; Scott Salom, Virginia Tech

[Abstract: Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA; Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae)) is an invasive pest causing significant mortality to eastern and Carolina hemlock trees in the eastern U.S. Since 2003, management of HWA has included controlled release of the HWA predator Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), an insect native to the Pacific Northwest. A two- year study to assess the impact of L. nigrinus on HWA at nine release sites from New Jersey to Georgia was initiated in 2014. Releases at these sites were made at least 4 years prior to the study and had known L. nigrinus establishment. Significant reduction in HWA sistens populations were noted during this study, therefore, it was continued in 2016 to provide longer-term evaluations of L. nigrinus impact. The same nine sites were utilized again in 2016. To evaluate the impact assessment of L. nigrinus, predator exclusion cages with two treatments of either caged, or un-caged branches were utilized to monitor predator and prey populations. Two assessments were made during the study period; one in October/November when treatment cages were applied, and one in the March/April when treatment cages were removed. In the first assessment, initial HWA density on study branches was determined. During the second assessment, cumulative predation of HWA by L. nigrinus was quantified. Preliminary results of the third year of this study will be reported.]

3:00 – 3:30 Break – St. Lucia/St. Martin

3:30 – 5:00 Graduate Student Session (continued) - Barbados

 Biological control of emerald ash borer in a novel host David Olson and Lynne K. Rieske-Kinney, University of Kentucky

[Abstract: Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planiplennis), continues to cause widespread mortality of ash (Fraxinus spp.) throughout its invaded range in eastern North America. Recently, EAB was discovered completing its larval development in another Oleaceous host, white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), native to the southeastern United States and commonly planted in urban environments. I evaluated fringetree suitability as a host for the emerald ash borer relative to two common species of ash, white (F. americana) and blue (F. quadrangulata), and found cambial tissue consumed by larvae (P= 0.0060), larval survival (P=0.0080), and larval growth measured via head capsule width (P=0.0001) was lower in Chionanthus, suggesting that fringetree is a sub- suitable host for EAB compared to native ash species. Cambial tissue was analyzed for nitrogen and carbon, and while differences in nitrogen were not significant, carbon was significantly greater in Chionanthus (P=0.0001). Density of whole stem sections was significantly higher in fringetree (P=0.0020). A classical biological control agent (Tetrastichus planipennisi) has been utilized effectively against EAB in ash, but little information exists regarding their effectiveness in a non-ash tree host. I am also assessing parasitoid host finding ability between three common ash species and fringetree. Tetrastichus planipennisi are introduced to EAB infested bolts of both Fraxinus and

Chionanthus in choice assays in the laboratory, and in a no choice assay in the field. While minimal parasitization occurred in the choice assay, all incidences occurred in Fraxinus species. I am also evaluating callus tissue formation around wounds, and female egg load in the no choice assay. These secondary investigations will provide further understanding of EAB utilization of fringetree and the ability of parasitoids to locate it. My results are providing greater insight into the ability of classical biological control agents to help regulate EAB populations as this aggressive tree killer exploits a novel host and continues expanding its range across North America.]

 Sub-lethal rates of insecticides: Efficacy for emerald ash borer suppression and potential consequences to a classical biological control agent Samuel Rivers and Lynne K. Rieske-Kinney, University of Kentucky

[Abstract: Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is an introduced buprestid devastating native North American ash Fraxinus spp and is estimated to cause $10 billion in economic damage by 2019. Chemical insecticides can protect ash against EAB, and when applied at reduced rates and combined with bio-control releases, can slow the development and spread of EAB. Both imidacloprid and dinotefuran have been used in this manner. However, specific data on the effects of reduced rate chemical applications on EAB larval survival, development rate, and adult fecundity, and parasitoid survival, development, and sex ratio, is lacking. Here a life table analysis of EAB and its primary classical biological control larval parasitoid, Tetrastichus planipennisi (Hym. Eulophidae) is performed. Working at the Taylor Fork ecological area at Eastern Kentucky University, three forested sites were designated, each containing three plots of young ash ≤12 cm 1.5 m above ground level. Using a randomized block design, three trees per plot were randomly selected for a soil drench treatment of imidacloprid and a bark spray of dinotefuran applied at full label rate and ½ label rate, and an untreated control. Laboratory-produced EAB eggs were secured to experimental trees 7 d after treatment, and screened to prevent predation or parasitization. Eggs were allowed to hatch and develop. After 30 d experimental trees were removed and de-barked. Larval survival, development, and phloem consumption were measured. The information generated will provide a more complete understanding for integrated pest management focused on EAB, enabling managers to more effectively protect ash resources.]

 Colonization, dispersal, and impact assessment of Laricobius osakensis Montgomery and Shiyake (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), as a biological control agent of the hemlock woolly adelgid Ashley Toland and Scott Salom, Virginia Tech  Predators of the pine bark adelgid in the forests of southwestern Virginia Holly Wantuch, Scott Salom, Thomas Kuhar, Virgina Tech and Nathan Havill, USDA-FS-NRS

 Patterns of bast scale and pathogen colonization mirror patterns of eastern white pine dieback Thomas D. Whitney, University of Georgia and USDA-FS-SRS; Brittany Barnes, University of Georgia; Michelle M. Cram, USDA- FS-FHP; Rima D. Lucardi, USDA-FS-SRS; and Kamal J.K. Gandhi, University of Georgia

[Abstract: Sapling mortality and bottom-up branch dieback of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) has been recently occurring range wide, largely attributed to the increased prevalence of a native pathogen, Caliciopsis pinea Peck. In parallel, however, the eastern white pine bast scale (Matsucoccus macrocicatrices Richards), which was previously believed just to be a benign grazer of white pine and restricted to New England and Canada, has been discovered (1) in every region where white pine grows, (2) in unusually high densities, and (3) in close association with the pathogen and dieback symptoms. To better understand how these two organisms may be associated with the observed dieback, we elucidated infestation patterns of both the bast scale and the pathogen on eastern white pine trees in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia. Trees were cut from five sites for insect counts and fungal canker measurements. Saplings (DBH < 5”), poletimber (DBH 5” – 12”), and sawtimber (DBH > 12”) sized trees were assessed at each site (N=45) to compare pest incidence by size class. To determine the most affected parts of the main stem, sections were sampled along the length of the bole each tree. Incidence of bast scales and cankers on bole sections increased as tree DBH and bark thickness decreased, which may explain why young trees are more susceptible to mortality. Additionally, the presence of scales increased significantly as proportional canker size increased in all age classes. These results provide further evidence that together the presence of eastern white pine bast scale and C. pinea are correlated with eastern white pine dieback.]

6:00 – 8:00 Poster Session – St. Lucia/St. Martin Organizers: Luke Dodd, Eastern Kentucky University and Wood Johnson, USDA-FS-FHP

Thursday, July 27th

Breakfast on your own

8:00 – 8:25 Plenary Session Summary - Grand Challenges in Forest Health - Barbados Organizers: Kamal Gandhi, Caterina Villari, Elizabeth Benton, University of Georgia and Lori Chamberlin, Virginia Department of Forestry

8:30 – 10:00 Concurrent Session 1

A. Factors Confounding Forest Invasions - Barbados Organizer: Lynne Rieske-Kinney, University of Kentucky

[Session Abstract: This session will address factors affecting invasiveness of forest pests, including host plant availability, population regulation by natural enemies, and abiotic factors.]

 Flanking maneuvers: Exploitation of multiple host species increases potential distribution of forest invaders John Riggins, Mississippi State University; Frank Koch, Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center; Jason Smith, University of Florida  Creating its own refugia: Emerald ash borer expands beyond Fraxinus and utilizes a native shrub Ignazio Graziosi and Lynne Rieske-Kinney, University of Kentucky

[Abstract: Since the late 1990’s, emerald ash borer has killed millions of trees in its invaded range in North America, and was thought to be monophagous on ash. However, in 2014 emerald ash borer was discovered infesting an additional Oleacous host, white fringetree, Chionanthus virginicus, a common horticultural shrub native to the southeast. Shortly thereafter an adult EAB emerged in our laboratory from a white fringetree stem collected on the University of Kentucky (UK) campus. We subsequently surveyed 50 Chionanthus spp. on the UK campus for signs and symptoms of EAB infestation. None of the Chinese fringetree, C. retusus, we surveyed had signs of EAB, whereas 64% of the native North American white fringetree showed signs of infestation. Extensive dieback was evident, ranging from 15 to 60% (average 35%) but we observed no tree mortality, suggesting that white fringetree is not an optimal host for EAB. Utilization of white fringetree may facilitate EAB’s geographic range expansion, particularly to the south, where ash resources are less abundant. White fringetree may also facilitate EAB’s persistence in a region by creating a refugia following extensive ash mortality. Fringetree utilization could also alter interactions with classical biological control agents and native natural enemies, facilitating further range expansion. These changes in EAB host use will challenge our current management strategies.]

 Factors confounding the introduction of natural enemies of forest invaders Scott Salom, Virginia Tech  Drought, declining forest health and a population outbreak of a native wood borer Fred Stephen, University of Arkansas; Laurel Haavik, USDA-FS- FHP, St. Paul, MN; James Guldin, USDA FS SRS, Hot Springs, AR

[Abstract: Recent attention has been devoted to how changing climate, including more frequent and severe drought, has already affected and will likely affect forest insect populations. Many studies have focused on introduced invasive species and species (native or introduced) inhabiting conifer forests. Considerably less is known about native insects in hardwood ecosystems and how rapidly changing environmental conditions are likely to affect interactions with their host trees and, more broadly, their population dynamics. We synthesize more than a decade of research on an emergent oak pest, red oak borer (Enaphalodes rufulus (Haldeman) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)), as a case study to explore this issue. Drought – as a component of oak decline – played a central role in the red oak borer outbreak; directly through its positive effect on borer population growth, and indirectly by compromising oak vigor and resistance to the borer. Similarly, drought has been linked to other notable outbreaks of native hardwood insects. Case studies such as this one can identify patterns, suggest causal mechanisms, and supply future research questions to address the role of drought and the future likelihood of such unprecedented events.]

B. Graduate Student Professional Development – Aruba Organizers: Jess Hartshorn, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Elizabeth Benton, University of Georgia

 Seeking federal employment: Tips for job seekers David Torok and Sylvia Staples, USDA-FS-SRS  Finding and acting as a mentor Carey Minteer, University of Florida  Navigating conferences and professional meetings Elizabeth Benton, University of Georgia

[Abstract: Conferences and professional meetings are beneficial opportunities for students to present research and network for future career options. Unfortunately, often students have not been trained to get the full benefit from these opportunities. Approaching a conference with a strategic plan will enable students to gain many experiences that will assist them in future their quest for a job. Activities such as volunteering, obtaining business cards, making a website, and contacting conference attendees to arrange meetings will prepare students to make invaluable professional contacts before the meeting starts. During the meeting, students can take advantage of career sessions, recruiting desks, and mixers to network and develop professional contacts. Correct professional presentation, i.e., how one dresses and carries themselves, may vary between meetings and will make a student stand out as an advantageous future employee. Advisors, faculty members, experienced graduate students, and online sources can serve as a guide for the appropriate dress for each meeting. After a meeting follow up emails, updating websites, and contacting new professional contacts before the next meeting can further developing professional networks. Students are encouraged to develop professional skills, meet interesting scientists, network for a job, and enjoy this important phase of their career.]

 How to write effective application materials Jess Hartshorn, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

C. Approaches for Monitoring Southern Forest Health Conditions – St. Croix/St. Thomas Organizers: Robert Coulson, Texas A&M University and William Hargrove, USDA-FS-SRS

[Session Abstract: A variety of technologies are currently being used to monitoring forest health conditions. Assembling the thematic digital data suitable for describing the forest landscapes and the associated environment is a creative task. Spatial databases and map and image archives have been assembled by various governmental agencies, organizations, private enterprises, and individuals. Internet accessibility coupled with significant advancements in GIS and remote sensing technologies have greatly simplified access to and use of these resources. Securing the spatial data needed or available to frame and populate the forest landscape of interest for use in impact assessment is a challenging task. This workshop addresses several aspects of using remotely sensed data for monitoring forest health protection.]

 Monitoring southern pine beetle outbreaks Stephen Clarke and James Meeker, USDA-FS-FHP

[Abstract: Mississippi has a long history of southern pine beetle outbreaks. Currently three Ranger Districts have significant activity. The idealized process of monitoring SPB activity was presented in Saul Petty’s chapter in SPB II. In reality, the current process differs. Detection flights are made with a helicopter, which allows the surveyor to accurately mark each infestation using a GPS unit. The surveyor also has a tablet with all previous spot data uploaded to avoid duplicate recording. All new infestations are downloaded and overlaid on District maps so a priority for ground-check can be assigned. Ground crews navigate to an infestation using GPS units, and the data collected varies among Districts. All data are recorded on paper SPBIS sheets and brought back to the District office for entry into the SPBIS database. Suppression is limited to cut-and-leave by either saw crews or mechanized equipment. A variety of analyses can be run on the data. Nowak et al. examined infestation location from 2012 and found that stands that had been recently thinned or burned had significantly less incidence of infestation. Infestations in 2016 were primarily in stands younger than 45 years. Freddy Ibanez of TA&M used kernel density estimation to identify hotspots of SPB activity on the Homochitto NF over the past 5 years. In the future, we hope SPB monitoring becomes more automated, similar to the system proposed in SPB II.]

 ForWarn and other uses of satellite phenology for identification and monitoring of forest insect disturbances William W. Hargrove, USDA-FS-SRS; Steven P. Norman, USDA-FS- SRS; Joseph P. Spruce, NASA Stennis Space Center; and William M. Christie, USDA-FS-SRS

[Abstract: ForWarn (http://forwarn.forestthreats.org) is an on-line, near real-time MODIS-based forest monitoring and assessment tool for detecting and tracking potential disturbances in forests across the conterminous United

States. ForWarn uses custom algorithms to generate and provide specialized national forest disturbance maps every 8 days, year-round. Since January 2010, the ForWarn system has been used to detect environmental threats to forests caused by insects, diseases, wildfires, extreme weather, and other natural and man-made events. ForWarn works by comparing the current daily MODIS NDVI vegetation “greenness” index with the “normal” greenness that would be expected for healthy, undisturbed vegetation growing at a location during a particular time. Expected greenness is developed from the 14-year MODIS satellite record. Locations that are currently less green than expected are indicated as potential forest disturbances, while greener areas are highlighted as recovering or thriving. ForWarn products can be viewed without cost by anyone using the online Forest Change Assessment Viewer (http://forwarn.forestthreats.org/fcav2), which runs on any computer with a web browser; no special programs are downloaded, and no user IDs or passwords are required. The Assessment Viewer’s interface is intuitive and familiar, similar to Google Maps. Many past examples of forest insect damage detected by ForWarn are highlighted, including comparisons/contrasts with damage polygons created by the Insect and Disease Survey aerial “sketchmappers.” The full set of talk slides can be seen at https://www.geobabble.org/~hnw/first/sfiwc17.]

 Forest health monitoring: How do we do it? Chris Asaro, USDA-FS-FHP

[Abstract: Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) is primarily carried out by forest health specialists (mostly entomologists or pathologists) within state agencies and USFS FHP field offices. However, forest health info and data can theoretically be obtained from any legitimate source. The three-legged stool approach to FHM includes a combination of ground survey, aerial survey, and remote sensing or satellite-based imagery. Ground survey, ground-truth following aerial survey, or ground truth of remotely sensed imagery is essential to any FHM program and requires some level of entomology or pathology expertise for accurate diagnoses of incidents. For capturing and reporting on large, widespread disturbance events that affect hundreds, thousands, or millions of acres, aerial survey by a trained aerial observer is still the gold-standard approach (and typically the most cost-effective approach). New tablet-based software called Digital Mobile Sketch Mapping (DMSM) (developed by FHAAST, FHP, USFS) is being adopted by state agencies and FHP field staff to improve FHM standardization and increase efficiencies in data capture, storage, and security. Remote sensing using applications such as ForWarn (developed by EFETAC, SRS, USFS) and the Forest Disturbance Monitor (developed by FHAAST, FHP, USFS) are game- changing tools that allow large disturbance events to be detected in near real time. However, these images often come with a lot of noise, so skill and knowledge of the forest landscape is required to use them effectively and identify real threats. These tools also are not meant to replace aerial survey or to be used exclusively to map disturbance events because satellite imagery often picks up things that the human eye cannot, and the current FHM standard is to map only what an observer can see from the air. They can, however, be used as a planning tool to direct where survey flights should be emphasized. Increasingly, drones and high resolution aerial photography are being used, but at the scale of most FHM activities, they are still not cost or labor efficient. This will likely change in the not too distant future.]

 Detection monitoring: Current state of the art Vanessa Lopez, Frank Sapio, and Vern Thomas, USDA-FS-FHTET

[Abstract: The Remote Sensing Program at the Forest Health Assessment and Applied Sciences Team (FHAAST) was established to develop remote sensing products and technologies to support Forest Health surveying and monitoring in near real time. Remote sensing is the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact with the object. This data is acquired via a multitude of earth resource satellites, aircraft/drone based sensors, and digital mapping camera platforms with different resolutions and spectral capabilities. The Forest Disturbance Monitor (FDM) and Forest Disturbance Mapper (FDMap) are components of the operational remote sensing work at FHAAST and are utilized for course level disturbance detection/monitoring and targeted, moderately high-resolution disturbance mapping, respectively. These tools are used to support the aerial detection and insect and disease survey data stream by augmenting surveys when and where required.]

 Use of UAS (Drones) in teaching, research, and service at Stephen F. Austin State University Dave Kulhavy, Daniel Unger, I-Kuai Hung, and Yanli Zhang, Stephen F. Austin University

[Abstract: The DJI Phantom 4 Pro UAS is used in teaching, research and service as a method to capture remotely sensed data for permanent records. The DJI Phantom 4 Pro has avoidance detection on four sides, an asset in forestry conditions. Three functions to use include streaming video, photo shots, and programmed flights. Streaming video is used to hazard rate urban forest trees for insects, diseases, trunk and crown condition. These data are compared to the standard CTLA method for hazard rating. Both undergraduate students and professionals found no statistical differences between the two methods. The Phantom 4 was used in evaluation of Ips bark beetle damage in forest plantations with excellent detection success. Using the program mode, the Phantom 4 is launched with the Pix4D application. The UAS can complete a programmed 2D grid; or a 3D double grid. The 2D grid uses less battery time and produces a map for detection. The 3D grid completes a grid in 3D that can be downloaded into ArcGIS into ArcScene or ArcGlobe for analysis and export to 3D printing. Once the UAS completes the programmed flight, the data are downloaded using Drone2Map ESRI software for completion of ArcGIS applications. Students and professionals are trained in this software with hands-on applications for production of field projects, posters and publications. Students and professionals trained using the Phantom 4 also review the UAS Pilot Guide for preparation of the FAA exam for the UAS license that is good for two years; six students passed the exam in the first review class and another class is starting. The importance of this is to understand FAA 336 and FAA 107 for flying UAS. FAA 336 is for hobbyists and recreation used for both instruction and flying. FAA 107 is for the license for commercial or professional functions. The use of UAS is rapidly expanding and needs to be integrated into teaching, research and service across agencies.]

10:00 – 10:30 Break – St. Lucia/St. Martin

10:30 – 12:00 Concurrent Session 2

A. Southern Pine Beetle at and Near Its Northern and Southern Range Limits – Barbados Organizers: Kamal Gandhi, University of Georgia; John Nowak, USDA-FS-FHP, and Brian Sullivan, USDA-FS-SRS

[Session Abstract: Southern pine beetle (SPB) is one of the most economically and ecologically important bark beetle species in the eastern U.S. During the last few decades, it has expanded its range of impact into pine forests in the northeastern U.S. and Mesoamerica. Further, there appears to be less SPB activity in its historical range in the southeastern U.S. over the last 15 years. SPB continues to gain importance in various ecosystem-types from temperate, sub- tropical to tropical forests across North America and Mesoamerica. Hence, it is becoming imperative that we better understand possible changes in population and community dynamics of SPB especially along its northern and southern range limits. We will invite speakers actively working on the biology, ecology, and management of SPB to discuss and synthesize state-of-the-art knowledge for assisting with prevention and amelioration of this important pest species.]

 Southern pine beetle in the northeast: Management implications and research questions Jessica Cancelliere, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; Kevin Dodds, USDA-FS, Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry; Robert Cole and Molly Hassett, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation  Southern pine beetle in the Anthropocene Matt Ayres, Carissa Aoki, and Jeff Lombardo, Dartmouth College; Aaron Weed, National Park Service  The mysterious disappearance of SPB infestations west of the Mississippi River: A 15 minutes investigation Stephen Clarke, USDA-FS-FHP

[Abstract: Southern pine beetle infestations have been absent from the Gulf Coastal Plain west of the Mississippi River for the past 19 years. One possible explanation was an interruption in the ebb and flow of populations between Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. In the previous 40 years at least one of these states had significant infestation numbers. However, in 1998 Texas was hit by a drought and windstorms that fueled Ips bark beetle numbers just as SPB populations appeared to be on the rise. This led to a SPB population collapse at a time when numbers in Mississippi were very low and were declining in Louisiana. Evidence suggests that though low level populations may have persisted for several years, SPB west of the Mississippi River are basically extinct. The large gap in host type in the Mississippi River delta impedes SPB reestablishment. Factors affecting the beetles' return include population levels in Mississippi, method of transport across the delta, and favorable conditions in pine stands in Louisiana. SPB outbreaks in Mississippi in recent years have been localized and short-lived, though that pattern has changed the past two years with widespread activity. Transport across the

delta may come via human action or by wind. High hazard conditions in pine stands in Louisiana are present, thus low levels of competitors and natural enemies (associated with prevailing climatic conditions) are necessary for SPB to reestablish once reintroduced west of the river. Current conditions suggest that reestablishment in 2017 could occur.]

 Plantation forestry expands while southern pine beetle declines across the south: Cause and effect? Chris Asaro, John Nowak, and Anthony Elledge, USDA-FS-FHP

[Abstract: The southern pine beetle has shown a dramatic decline in outbreak activity over much of the southeastern United States since the turn of the 21st century compared to previous decades. Concurrently, from the 1950s through the present day, a twenty-fold increase in pine plantation area has occurred across the region while trends in genetic tree improvement and pine silvicultural advances have seen a marked increase in application towards the end of the 20th century. We examine southern pine beetle outbreaks in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain physiographic provinces of the southeastern U.S. relative to this increase in pine plantation area and intensive management. While climate and natural enemy hypotheses are discussed, the substantial changes to the management and condition of the southern pine resource in the form of plantations that are genetically improved, younger, faster growing, less overstocked or more fragmented may provide a more robust explanation for regional declines in SPB outbreak activity.]

 Discussion on linking southern pine beetle ecology, forestry, and climatic changes Kamal Gandhi, University of Georgia

B. Graduate Student CV and Cover Letter Workshop - Aruba Organizers: Jess Hartshorn, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Elizabeth Benton, University of Georgia

CV and Cover Letter Reviewers:  Kier Klepzig, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center  Lynne Rieske-Kinney, University of Kentucky  Robert Jetton, North Carolina State University  Jess Hartshorn, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources  David Torok, USDA-FS-SRS  Sylvia Staples, USDA-FS-SRS

C. Open Session - St. Croix/St. Thomas Organizer: JT Vogt, USDA-FS-SRS

 Strengthening the ties that bind: An examination of cross- disciplinary communication between the fields of invasion ecology and biocontrol using evaluative bibliometrics Rima Lucardi, USDA-FS-SRS; Ashley Schulz, Arkansas State University; and Travis Marisco, Arkansas State University

[Abstract: Non-native, invasive species (NNIS) are one of three key factors threatening global biodiversity today. To aid in controlling these NNIS, biological control agents are sometimes reared, transported, and released into native ecosystems that have been heavily impacted by NNIS. Often, these biological control agents are also not native to the ecosystems where they are released, so their impacts may be variable with respect to efficacy and non- target effects, suggestive of “fighting fire with fire.” The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine whether invasion ecologists and biological control scientists cite each other, or are citing others within their own fields, 2) assess the similarities in mechanisms and stages of invasion of both NNIS and introduced biological control agents, and 3) identify areas of underutilized overlap between the two fields. To evaluate the level of communication between the disciplines of invasion ecology and biological control, we reviewed recent primary insect invasion and biological control literature from a ten year period (2006-2015), categorized the citations within the primary literature into five categories (invasion, biological control, other control, other ecology, and non-ecological literature), and evaluated the predominant categories cited by biological control scientists and invasion ecologists. We also charted available, general invasion ecology and biological control literature to assess documented mechanisms and stages of invasion, and identified areas for overlap between the two disciplines. Through evaluative bibliometrics, we show that invasion literature largely cites other invasion studies, while biological control literature mainly cites other biological control studies, suggesting the need to facilitate and improve cross- disciplinary communication and collaboration. We propose a new framework that incorporates the stages of invasion of NNIS and biological control agents to demonstrate the potential for novel utilization of discoveries across biological control and invasion research. Since biological control agents share many characteristics with NNIS, they can provide researchers with an unconventional model by which to study mechanisms and processes of species invasion.]

 Reproduction of silver flies (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae) from the western USA on Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in the eastern USA Kimberly F. Wallin, The University of Vermont and USDA-FS- NRS; Kyle Motley, The University of Vermont; Darrell W. Ross, Oregon State University; Nathan P. Havill, USDA-FS-NRS; Kelli Hoover, Penn State University; Bud Mayfield, USDA-FS-SRS; and Mark C. Whitmore, Cornell University

 Sirex noctilio: A new resident in northeastern pine forests Laurel J. Haavik, USDA-FS-FHP; Kevin J. Dodds, USDA-FS-FHP; and Jeremy D. Allison, Canadian Forest Service  Evaluating host resistance to balsam woolly adelgid in an elite Fraser fir population Benjamin Smith and Fred Hain, Forest Restoration Alliance and North Carolina State University; Robert Jetton and John Frampton, North Carolina State University  Out on the perimeter: Parsimony in forest insect chemical ecology David Wakarchuk, Synergy Semiochemicals Corp  Documenting tick encounters and associated pathogens across the southeast: A collaborative effort between The University of Tennessee and the U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis Rebecca Trout Fryxell, The University of Tennessee and James Vogt, USDA-FS-FIA

12:00 - 1:00 Lunch on your own

1:00 – 5:00 Forest Health Field Trip, The Jungles of Florida! Organizer: Jiri Hulcr, University of Florida Sunscreen, bugs spray, and light clothing are recommended. Field trip vans depart at 12:30.

1:00 – 5:00 Frontalis Cup at the Viera East Golf Club Organizer: Robert Coulson, Texas A&M University

2:00 – 5:00 Frustrana Cup at the beach Organizer: Steve Clark, USDA-FS-FHP

7:00 – 9:00 Banquet – Aruba/Barbados

Insect Photo Salon Organizer: Brittany Barnes, University of Georgia

Graduate Student Presentation Awards, A.D. Hopkins Award, and Roger F. Anderson Award

Friday, July 28th

Breakfast on your own

6:00 – 6:45 Sunrise Yoga – TBD Organizer: Jess Hartshorn, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

8:00 – 9:30 Concurrent Session 3

A. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Management: Where Do We Stand? – St. Croix/St. Thomas Organizers: Bud Mayfield, USDA-FS-SRS and Greg Wiggins, National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis

[Session Abstract: Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae, has become a major threat to eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis, in the eastern U.S. A management program initiated in the mid-1990s has led to the development of an integrated management approach incorporating chemical applications, biological control releases, silvicultural practices, genetic conservation networks, and resistance/breeding efforts to mitigate the impact of HWA. This session provides an overview of the current state of these management efforts and provides perspectives on future directions in the management of HWA.]

 Introduction Rusty Rhea, USDA-FS-FHP  Chemical control Elizabeth Benton, University of Georgia

[Abstract: Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae (Annand) (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), suppression using neonicotinoid insecticides can preserve the health of hemlock trees and associated forest types. Neonicotinoid insecticides were developed in the 1970s as a less toxic alternative to other insecticide classes, such as organophosphates and carbamates. Imidacloprid and dinotefuran are commonly used for HWA suppression and have complementary functions in HWA management. Imidacloprid is effective approximately three months after application, suppresses HWA for a minimum of five years, and is best for light to moderate HWA infestations. Dinotefuran is effective within a few weeks of application, suppresses HWA for one to two years, and is often applied to heavily infested hemlock. Using optimized imidacloprid doses, tailored to tree diameter, results in less insecticide use. Each DBH-size hemlock receives a dose that is specific to that size tree. Thus, trees do not receive excess insecticide, resulting in cost effective and efficient HWA suppression. Every management decision involves trade-offs between system benefits and environmental risks. However, environmental risks of imidacloprid use in forests are low. Imidacloprid does not migrate horizontally in the soil from the site of application. Canopy arthropod communities recover from treatments within three years. Aquatic macroinvertebrate studies indicate no negative effects at label application rates. Neonicotinoid insecticide use is a

HWA management that provides numerous years of hemlock preservation with low environmental risks.]

 Biological control Scott Salom, Virginia Tech  Silvicultural and conservation strategies Robert Jetton, North Carolina State University

[Abstract: After nearly 30 years of research and development on an integrated approach to combat the hemlock woolly adelgid, relatively little attention has been given to silvicultural strategies for managing this pest in the hemlock forests of the eastern United States. Recommendations consist of cultural tools for improving individual tree health and vigor, or silvicultural prescriptions for promoting the next non-hemlock forest type. Missing are silvicultural strategies for retaining or reintroducing hemlock to forests degraded by adelgid infestation. Two field studies to address this knowledge gap have recently been implemented by the Camcore program at NC State University and the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station. The first is a target-tree release study that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of increasing ambient light for reducing adelgid infestation densities on surviving hemlocks in intermediate canopy positions through the creation of two gap sizes (small versus large) using two release strategies (felling versus girdling). The second is a seedling reintroduction study that is evaluating the effects of canopy structure (gap versus thinned), deer exclusion, fertilization, and competition control on the establishment, survival, growth, and health of hemlock seedlings planted into southern Appalachian cove forests that were occupied by eastern hemlock prior to adelgid infestation. Ultimately, the success of any silvicultural strategy for managing the hemlock woolly adelgid will depend on the availability of genetically diverse and broadly adaptable hemlock genetic resources to support breeding and seedling production and deployment objectives. Ongoing efforts by Camcore and the USDA Forest Service Forest Health Protection have described the population genetic structure and diversity of both hemlock species native to the eastern United States, and secured seed resources that represent 750 mother trees and 76 populations of eastern hemlock and 161 mother trees and 24 populations of Carolina hemlock. The presentation provides an overview of the current status of these silvicultural and genetic resource conservation strategies.]

 Host resistance Dana Nelson, USDA-FS-SRS  Integrated management and discussion Bud Mayfield, USDA-FS-SRS

[Abstract: This presentation generated questions and discussion among session participants on how scientists and managers might integrate various management strategies and tools (as covered in the preceding presentations) most effectively in hemlock-containing forests. For example, in forests where hemlock woolly adelgid occurs and hemlocks are still present: - How could silviculture be used to create a mosaic of light conditions in ways that might also benefit predators? Can such treatments be compatible with other management goals? - How could judicious use of insecticides be used to complement both silviculture and biological control in the same stands? How might

success vary depending on temperature (latitude, elevation, climate zone)? In forests where hemlock has been functionally eliminated by the adelgid: - Is restoration of a hemlock-containing forest desirable, practical, and/or affordable? - Where on the landscape should such efforts be prioritized, and at what scale? - Should integration of existing or newly-developed tools, including resistant or tolerant hosts, be utilized when establishing a new hemlock- containing stand? How?]

B. Timber Industry and University Extension: How Can We Help Each Other? - Barbados Organizers: Jiri Hulcr, University of Florida and David Coyle, Southern Regional Extension Forestry

 The Rayonier perspective Alan Wilson, Rayonier  Forest health issues and challenges from a TIMO perspective Mike Clutter and Tom Trembath, Forest Investment Associates  Don’t bug out. Let’s collaborate and educate! Katie Termer, Weyerhaeuser  Tree health and knowledge exchange: The Bartlett perspective Gretchen Pettis, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories  The needs of many: A regional perspective on forest and tree health for multiple audiences David Coyle, Southern Regional Extension Forestry and University of Georgia  ProForest: Towards better forest health coordination across the region Paloma Carton de Grammont, ProForest and University of Florida

[Abstract: The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has partnered with multiple institutions and programs concerned with forest health and funded ProForest (Proactive Forest Health and Resilience). The ProForest initiative aims to provide a framework for collaboration among scientists, managers, and decision-makers so that research and educational efforts across the biological and social sciences can be integrated to address the grand challenges in forest health. It strives to increase awareness about threats to forest and their social, economic and ecologic consequences among different stakeholders and seeks to provide policy recommendations that facilitate managing forests to increase resilience and economic sustainability. Through its collaborative research, ProForest aims to develop and transfer innovative solutions to support forest management decisions. This involves understanding the impacts of global change on forest ecosystems and their services, developing novel concepts and techniques to promote forest resilience, as well as predicting and supporting proactive management of emerging pests and diseases. Finally, through a future graduate degree in Forest Health, it aims to train new

generations of forest health professionals. To learn more about ProForest you can visit our webpage www.proforesthealth.org.]

 Panel Discussion

C. Utilizing Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) and FIA Data, Part 1 – Aruba Organizer: Chris Asaro, USDA-FS-FHP, R8 FHM Coordinator

[Session Abstract: Monitoring and inventorying are important aspects of two programs within the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) and Forest Health Monitoring (FHM). Both programs have as their goal providing information for the protection of the nation’s forests. Our proposed sessions (part I & II) will each present the conceptual nature of both programs, as well as offer applied examples so that attendees will gain a better understanding of the two programs. The focus will be on work that utilizes FIA and/or off-plot FHM data, highlighting the differences among these data and how they can both be used in a complementary fashion for various types of analyses. Time at the end of the second session will be for a discussion surrounding connecting researchers within the FS with practitioners, as well as consider what emerging threats/research needs can FIA and/or FHM data help answer.]

 Introduction – FHM vs. FIA Chris Asaro, USDA-FS-FHP

[Abstract: Following a brief overview of the FIA Program, plot design and layout, major differences between the FIA and FHM Programs are discussed. With regard to forest health related data, FIA data is Ideal for quantifying widespread health conditions – dieback, long-term mortality, declines, distribution of invasive plants, and impacts to major tree species. In contrast, the FHM Program documents and attempts to quantify specific forest-health related incidents in real time; provides detailed, location-specific forest health data; and is ideal for documenting defoliation, rapid mortality, rapid spread of non-native invasive pests, and impacts to minor tree species for which FIA sampling often does not capture adequately. This session will demonstrate the complementary nature of the FIA and FHM programs and how information from both programs can be merged into more powerful and informative data analyses.]

 The forest health monitoring program: Status and direction Tom Eager, USDA-FS-FHP, National FHM Coordinator

[Abstract: Forest Health Monitoring is a national program that brings State and Federal cooperators together in order to track the long-term and widespread changes in forest health due to disturbance. Forest Health Monitoring is currently in the process of re-vitalizing the program by utilizing the latest techniques and seeking out new partners to participate in data gathering and reporting. There are several aspects to the program including: Evaluation Monitoring (EM) Projects provide early follow-up to changes and trends in forest health due to biotic and abiotic causes. Projects sponsored by Forest

Health Protection are selected in an annual competitive process to investigate and understand nationally important forest health topics. Forest Health Highlights are annual reports produced by State Forest Health Monitoring partners that describe state-wide and regional forest health issues. Forest Health Monitoring: National Status, Trends, and Analysis is a National Technical Report that provides an overview of forest health conditions across the nation. Insect and disease impacts, the effects of drought and weather, results from Evaluation Monitoring Projects and special “spotlight” issues are reviewed annually. Plans are being made for a National Meeting in 2018. We hope to bring together a wide range of cooperators who will work together to detect and record the status and impacts of change occurring within the nation's forests.]

 Beetles and budworms and blights, oh my: Using national insect and disease survey data to detect geographic patterns of forest disturbance Kevin M. Potter, North Carolina State University; Jeanine L. Paschke, Cherokee Nation Technologies; Frank J. Krist, Jr., USDA- FS-FHTET

[Abstract: Monitoring the occurrence of forest pest and pathogen outbreaks is important at regional scales because of the significant impact insects and disease can have on forest health across landscapes. National Insect and Disease Survey (IDS) data consist of information from annual low-altitude aerial survey and ground survey efforts conducted by the Forest Health Protection (FHP) Program of the USDA Forest Service and its State agencies partners. FHP analysts and collaborators use these data to quantify the areas of forest affected by detected mortality-causing agents and defoliation- causing agents within regions of the United States, and to detect geographic hotspots of exposure to insect and disease mortality and of defoliation activity. These results are a key component of the annual U.S. Forest Health Monitoring national report, which presents the status and trends of forest health indicators and is produced by forest health monitoring researchers at the Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center (EFETAC) in collaboration with North Carolina State University cooperators. We will present highlights of recent analyses, with an emphasis in the South, including the most commonly detected mortality and defoliation agents in the region and the locations and causes of Southern mortality and defoliation hot spots.]

 Utility and limitations of forest health information from forest inventory and analysis data Kerry Dooley, USDA-FS-SRS-FIA

[Abstract: FIA comprises a many data collection types, which can shed light on many aspects of forestry. In recent years an increasing interest in forest health has led to additions and updates of forest health related data collection, with mixed results. Here, I present brief descriptions of the longer-standing FIA data types which relate to forest entomology work, followed by an overview of the newest suite of forest health variables (damage agent coding). For each, explanation of how the data could be used to support forest insect

related work, as well as the major drawbacks and problems associated with the data collection, processing, analysis and presentation, will be given.]

9:30 – 10:00 Break – St. Lucia/St. Martin

10:00 – 11:30 Concurrent Session 4

A. Open Session - St. Croix/St. Thomas Organizer: Don Grosman, Arborjet

 Acanthotomicus sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), a new destructive insect pest of North American sweetgum in China You Li, University of Florida; Lei Gao, Shanghai Academy of Landscape Architecture Science and Planning; and Jiri Hulcr, University of Florida

[Abstract: A newly discovered species of wood-boring beetle in the genus Acanthotomicus—nicknamed “sweetgum inscriber”, has emerged as a lethal pest of American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) in China. Our survey of nursery records from around Shanghai suggests that American sweetgums have been under heavy attacks at least since 2013, resulting in the death of over 10,000 trees. The mass-attacks of the sweetgum-specific Acanthotomicus sp. can be diagnosed by accumulation of attacks on the trunk resulting in resinous exudate (pitch tubes), wilted foliage, and eventual numerous exit holes of the new generation. This pest is of concern not only for sweetgum in Chinese nursery trade, but also of much greater concern as a potentially destructive invasive pest of sweetgum in North America. This discovery suggests that the world’s forests still contain tree pests of concern and that global pre-invasion assessment of pests is warranted.]

 Protection of conifers against bark beetles using systemic insecticides Don Grosman, Arborjet and Ron Billings, Texas Forest Service

[Abstract: Scolytid beetles, such as Ips engravers (Ips spp.), black turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus terebrans) and southern pine beetle (D. frontalis), can cause extensive direct mortality to trees in southern pine seed orchards, progeny test sites, commercial plantations and natural forests. The efficacy of the systemic insecticide emamectin benzoate alone or combined with a fungicide, such as propiconazole has been evaluated by the Forest Pest Management Cooperative in numerous plantation and natural forest trials during the past 13 years for preventing damage and mortality to trees by bark beetles. Emamectin benzoate has been found to frequently reduce tree mortality (80 – 100%) by bark beetles in several species of conifers (pines, spruce) for two or more years compared to untreated checks. However, due to the introduction of fungal associates by bark beetles, some trees are still killed even though the adult beetles are unsuccessful in colonizing the trees. Additional trials have shown that the combination of emamectin benzoate and propiconazole or tebuconazole can improve tree survival compared to the insecticide alone.

Although micro-infusion treatments have been proven to be highly effective at reducing damage and/or mortality, single tree injection applications have the stigma of being somewhat time consuming. Recent developments in application technology is serving to significantly reduce application time and costs.]

 Assessing the effects of bark and ambrosia beetle colonization: Exclosure experiment comprehensively reveals an alteration of fungal community assembly and the reduced decay of forest biomass Paige S. Carlson, University of Florida  Rapid in-field early detection of the causal agent of laurel wilt disease through a LAMP based molecular assay James Noah Workman, University of Georgia; Stephen Fraedrich, USDA-FS-SRS; and Caterina Villari, University of Georgia

[Abstract: Laurel wilt is a highly destructive disease caused by the invasive fungus Raffaelea lauricola, which is currently decimating populations of native lauraceous species, such as redbay, sassafras and avocado, throughout southeastern USA. The pathogen is an ambrosia fungus and is vectored by the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus. Management of laurel wilt has proven particularly challenging, and current efforts are mainly focused on early detection/rapid removal in order to limit the impact of the disease. However, reliable and timely detection methods are needed for these strategies to be successful. The goal of this project is to develop a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based assay that would allow forest health monitoring agencies and orchard managers to perform early detection of R. lauricola directly in the field, without having to rely on external laboratories. LAMP meets all the major technical and economic requirements for successful in-field implementation by non-technical users. Moreover, this assay is highly sensitive, and potentially able to detect the pathogen in asymptomatic tissues or on insect vectors. Two pathogen-specific primer sets were designed based on the β-tubulin gene and a taxon-specific simple sequence repeat locus currently used for R. lauricola molecular identification, and primer sets were subsequently tested for specificity. Preliminary results showed that the primer set designed on the simple sequence repeat locus was more efficient, and was thus selected for further optimization and validation of the assay. Reactions are currently being optimized for use with crude DNA extracts on portable devices, and tested for specificity and sensitivity on pure fungal cultures. Symptomatic and non-symptomatic leaves and sapwood tissues from artificially inoculated redbay plants are also being tested in order to determine how soon after infection the LAMP-based assay can detect R. lauricola in plants, and if the assay will be sufficiently sensitive to detect the pathogen before the onset of symptoms. Next steps will be to evaluate the assay under field conditions and on insect vectors, and to train monitoring personnel. The implementation of this LAMP-based assay for in-field detection of R. lauricola would strongly enhance the effectiveness of early detection, allowing for more successful management of laurel wilt.]

 Ten years of EDRR for bark beetles: What have we learned? Bob Rabaglia, USDA-FS-FHP

B. Tri-trophic Interactions: Government, University, and Private Landowner Collaborations - Barbados Organizer: Scott Salom, Virginia Tech

Panel discussion accepted participants:  Faculty: Lynne Rieske-Kinney, University of Kentucky; Kamal Gandhi, University of Georgia; Robert Jetton, North Carolina State University  USFS: Don Duerr, USDA-FS-FHP; David Coyle, Southern Regional Extension Forestry; Rusty Rhea, USDA-FS-FHTET; Stephen Clarke, USDA-FS-FHP; Paul Merten, USDA-FS-SRS; Anna Greis, USDA-FS- FHP  State: Rob Trickel, North Carolina Forest Service; Nathan Hoover, Tennessee Division of Forestry

[Notes (prepared by Katlin Mooneyham, VDOF): Major Forest Entomology professionals are either in Government (Federal, State, Municipal), Colleges and Land- Grant Universities, and to a lesser extent private companies and NGOs.

Within government, there are professionals and that contribute to research, technology development, outreach, and management. At the University we have faculty, post-docs, staff and students. They teach, do research and outreach as well.

Most forest entomology problems or issues are addressed in some type of team-based approach. Often colleagues within their own professional entity work together. For instance, I collaborate on projects with Jerome Grant (UT), Joe Elkinton (UMass), and Matt Kasson (WVU).

The same goes for the Feds. I recently read an announcement about how a whole bunch for USFS Forest Entomologists with SPB expertise went to NY as a team to show foresters up there a thing or two. The teams that are developed are based on the problem and desired solution sought.

However, more importantly there are strong team-based collaborations and coordination across employment/unit entities: Feds working with state cooperators, Feds and State folks working with University/College folks. I propose that the stronger the within entity and across entity coordinations, the better communication that occurs, and the more success there is in solving problems and implementing program.

The idea of this panel discussion is for all working entities focusing on Federal and State governments and University/College faculty, staff and students to explore what programs tend to be successful and why. Perhaps this will lead to better planning in the future.

Questions for the Feds:

1. What Fed agencies does USFS FHP and R&D work closely with? What tends to be the nature of the interactions?

 FHP works on all lands, federal, state and land agencies. 2-2.5 million dollars goes to pest suppression programs on federal lands: NPS, DoD, BLM. Some programs include: gypsy moth, HWA suppression all of these on mostly park lands and Natl Wildlife Rufuges (EAB, SPB). Submissions go to Washington office and then more local USFS guys determine where the need is.  Dept of Interior puts out letter for call for proposal for insects of concern and then employees go out and do surveys to determine the need for money. Work with park and other resource professionals (can be a struggle when parks have limited resources).  LARGE part is for suppression dollars and also for technical assistance.  Resource information management within USFS – requests can be put in to obtain satellite imagery for free in light of events like natural disasters. Needs to be a strong justification to release information.  Pictometry – access to nationwide imagery can fly at 3-4 inch resolution. Can be an option for imagery on federal landscapes.  NPS interactions for firewood movement. More proactive stance than USFS. General coordination and cooperation with other state agencies.  Deal with people within these other federal agencies that might not know who else to contact (i.e., state or local organizations). Various levels of organization depending of funds and staffing needs and availability of each agencies.  Southeast Natural Resources Leader Group – regional forester level for USFWS, Fed Highways, etc. Big overall issues impacting all groups. A higher level interaction. Main benefit is that all upper administrators meet and put face with names so that they know who to call when next emergency hits.  FHP and R&D work very closely together within USFS – from planning to funding for a project. Ex: HWA silviculture is funded through USFS and implemented on state lands and also uses University faculty. Similar with other projects.  HWA projects utilizes everyone and is solid model to show how many organizations and people are able to work on a new exotic pest from the get go. Shenandoah Natl Park really helped to get this going once they noticed hemlocks dying. Collaboration helps present issue with unified voice.  Slow the Spread project is similar to HWA project. These two are shining examples of collaborative efforts of many groups. Contrast these to EAB efforts, yet hasn’t approached level of collaboration. In part due to APHIS getting most of funding and not USFS. This is because EAB is a regulated pest and HWA is not.  Great Smoky Mtn Natl Park is a great examples because as it spans two states. Helps to get cross line collaboration because it is hard to get things on same page when two states have different rules and regulations. Forced both states to work together to get these issues under control and make uniform regulations.  Without funding, it is hard to get these programs going.

2. Give examples of successful programs you have with State agencies.  LASR grant with 12 states for firewood. First time they got it, GA was lead on it and it was successful for outreach and in general. Programs were conducted and were highly successful. Involvement of 12 states had challenges: highly utilized by some states and less so with others. Without a key individual it was a success, but was concerning that without that one person it could have been a major flop. Overall a positive program, but could have been made better by total collaboration of all cooperating states. Some issues were just so many players at the table. Sometimes these things require a smaller core of people to make things actually happen (example of too many cooks in the kitchen). A positive outcome of this program was that it opened

up the door for these agencies to work with other related agencies that might have been neglected otherwise.

3. What are some examples of successful programs with universities? What are some of the keys to their success? What can University partners be better at?  Extension (Dave Coyle): Work with state agencies at first, now 75% working with state forestry agencies. Now working more with university extension agencies and filling needs identified by each state. Has been successful for states working with field foresters and teaching them info in classroom and by field trips. Good reviews so far, great for new employees and a refresher for more experienced personnel. Also facilitates trickle-down knowledge between the field foresters. Some of the limitations have been not with states but with the university people about boundaries and figuring out where lines are. Easily overcome with communication.  Feds do support a lot of university work. Most of the time when USFS partners with a university is by and large successful. What is the follow-up with some of these projects? Sometimes the implications of these projects need to have real life utilizations. The loop needs to be closed at the end when you get the results and when they can be applied to real world applications.

Questions for States:

4. Give examples of successful programs between states and Universities. University panel can comment on this as well.  NCSU has no extension in ento/path so NCFS has assumed these responsibilities. They provide these services when asked to present extension presentations or events. Overall, trying to synthesize the info coming from universities and providing it in extension outlets. Challenge from this is that when a landowner calls with a pest, the respond but without extension program, they are relying on other states information and resources.  There is an increasing need for outreach and education that has gone unnoticed by budget cuts at state levels. KY has extension specialists at both state and university levels. These groups are busy all the time. Even states and people that have no extension appointments are still responsible for acting as an extension agent and reaching the needs of these landowners with questions.  Texas is part of university system so they have tight relationship with extension and university.  Large need to work with all agencies since everyone is stretched thin and serving the same needs and concerns with similar limited resources.  Is hard state to state since so many states have different resources and connections and are more limited/more robust based on finances and determined needs of the program.  Encourage collaboration across state lines, if you have a question for a neighboring state, reach out and ask questions. If for research or for informational, it helps a good amount. If there are recent finds, need to disseminate information better and needs to be better connections on who to contact and who to work with.  Need better feedback on new issues after states collect monitoring data and also need help figuring out what else is needed to determine the work load of these pests. Partnerships need to be forged to provide support, funding and also just manpower to get answers on what is going on with these lesser known issues. Want to figure this stuff out before it becomes a problem or before the public begins to ask questions and raise concerns.

5. State to state relationships?  It is now at its strongest point ever (Rob). More across border communications and interactions helps make states better prepared and informed about new species and management actions.

Questions for Universities:

6. Are there issues at the University that need to be communicated to fed and state partners?  Sometimes a time lag between finding out info from state agencies and the university members. Maybe report when populations are increasing or new species is identified. Helps aid in EDRR methods and eradication efforts. Trapping efforts or field work going on in one organization needs to be communicated to the other agencies so that there is cohesion between info and data. Needs to be a thought of university personnel as an extension of state and fed agencies. Utilize for field work or other help efforts.  All of us are operating on budget constraints and meetings with each other can help each other understand where these limitations and issues are coming from. Can be utilized to make each other better partners based on understanding time, money, priorities and helping to alleviate these issues between groups.  Need for a news alert or alerts when feds or other agencies alert that locality when they are travelling or looking for something new in an area. Helps to keep everyone on same page when they travel somewhere so everyone knows what’s going on in each state.  SPB Prevention Program – most dollars for cost share. Have been knowledge gaps along way and when these come up, contact universities to fill these gaps.  Use of new technology to help generate info for maps. Need for not only boots on ground but also in air and other ways.]

C. Utilizing Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) and FIA data, Part 2 - Aruba Organizer: Chris Asaro, USDA-FS-FHP, R8 FHM Coordinator

 FIA data document the spread and impact of laurel wilt on red bay Frank H. Koch, USFS, SRS-EFETAC; Marc A. Hughes, University of Hawaii; John J. Riggins, Mississippi State University; Jason A. Smith, University of Florida  Using national forest inventory data to describe the effects of redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff) invasion in the eastern United States KaDonna Randolph, USDA-FS-SRS-FIA

[Abstract: Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is an ecologically important tree species that is widely distributed across 28 states in the eastern United States. Like other Lauraceaous tree species, sassafras is susceptible to Raffaelea lauricola, a fungus vectored by the invasive redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus), which causes a lethal vascular wilt known as laurel wilt disease (LWD). Since the beetle’s introduction near Savannah, Georgia, redbay trees throughout the coastal plain have been devastated; however,

with less than five percent of its total inventory in areas with LWD, the effect on sassafras has been less dramatic. In recent years, LWD has been discovered on sassafras in Alabama (2011), Arkansas (2015), and Louisiana (2014), areas far from the naturally advancing front of LWD. Therefore, data collected by the Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program were used to identify areas where other introductions of the redbay ambrosia beetle may have the greatest consequences for sassafras and what changes in forest structure may result if sassafras is lost. Observed in more than 60 forest types, sassafras is most abundant in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and throughout the Appalachian mountains from Tennessee to Pennsylvania and in the white oak/red oak/hickory, sassafras/persimmon, mixed upland hardwoods, cherry/white ash/yellow-poplar, and chestnut oak/black oak/scarlet oak forest types. In most forest types, sassafras typically occurs in the overtopped and intermediate crown classes; therefore, the loss of sassafras will be most evident in the release of below ground resources, e.g., water and nutrients. In the sassafras/persimmon forest type where sassafras co-dominates the overstory, above ground resources (growing space and light availability) also will be released. Species typically co-occurring with sassafras that stand to benefit the most from sassafras mortality include black cherry, blackgum, red maple, sugar maple, yellow-poplar, and a variety of oaks.]

 Assessing the effect of a southern pine beetle’s outbreak on local timber industry using FIA’s timber products output information Consuelo Brandeis, USDS-FS-SRS-FIA

[Abstract: Southern Pine Beatle (SPB) is native to the U.S. southern region, causing significant tree mortality on a cyclical basis across the south. Loblolly and shortleaf pines, which volume amounts to 80% of the softwoods used by the southern sawmill industry, are among the pine species affected by this bark beetle. Forest products are a significant component of southern economies, therefore SPB outbreaks could have significant economic effects resulting from the reduced wood supply, likely impacting mill competitiveness and survival. The effect of a SPB outbreak on softwood sawmill closures was evaluated for the case of Tennessee’s 1999-2002 SPB outbreak, which affected 58% of the state. Preliminary results from a logit model reveal a decline in the odds of closure with increased mill size (given by number of employees) and an increase in odds of closure for mills procuring wood from counties with epidemic status, with a 1% increase in the volume of wood procured from an epidemic county increasing the odds of closure by 56%.]

 Estimating baseline mortality of white pine in the central Appalachians to assess the impact of a novel scale insect/pathogen complex Chris Asaro, USDA-FS-FHP; Lori Chamberlin, Virginia Department of Forestry; Jill Rose, West Virginia Department of Agriculture; Katlin Mooneyham, Virginia Department of Forestry; Anita Rose, USFS-FS-WO

[Abstract: Concerns about the health of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) exist throughout its range in the eastern United States due to a variety of causal factors. In the central and southern Appalachian Mountains, a novel and poorly understood dieback phenomenon has been attributed primarily to a scale insect, Matsucoccus macrocicatrices, and a putatively weak fungal pathogen, Calciopsis pinea. While the nature of this scale-pathogen complex and associated stem and branch cankers is still being explored, quantitative information on the extent of damage to the white pine resource has also been lacking. Monitoring plots were established in Virginia and West Virginia beginning in 2012 to assess changes in live and dead volume of white pine. Most sites consisted of uneven aged, mixed oak-pine stands. Because no large trees within the plots had died during the study thus far, no significant changes in volume were evident. However, mortality in sapling and pole- sized trees appeared elevated. Density dependent mortality associated with natural stand self-thinning was distinguished from density independent mortality associated with the scale-pathogen complex by establishing a baseline mortality for white pine age cohorts. Baseline mortality for each 2 cm diameter class was estimated to be approximately 12% based on the aggregate study site data, and 13-14% based on FIA data. Observed mortality within plots was then compared to baseline mortality using chi-square analysis. During the initial measurement years, observed mortality was significantly greater than baseline mortality for only the 4-6 cm diameter class. After 5 years of monitoring, observed mortality was significantly greater than baseline for five diameter classes, including 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 14-16, and 24-26 cm. The two smallest diameter classes of these five had observed mortality over 30%, on average, while the other three classes averaged over 20% mortality. If these trends continue over time, white pine abundance or sustainability could eventually be compromised as mature trees gradually die and fewer cohorts of young trees are available to replace them.]

11:30 – 12:15 Closing Business Meeting – Barbados

2017 SFIWC Posters

Organizers: Luke Dodd, Eastern Kentucky University and Wood Johnson, USDA-FS-SRS

1. Revisiting the southwide SPB prediction system: Zero-inflated models characterize the dynamics of irregularly outbreaking insects Carissa Aoki, Dartmouth College; Ronald Billings, Texas Forest Service; and Matthew Ayres, Dartmouth College

2. Mortality and reduced brood production in walnut twig beetles, Pityophthorus juglandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), following exposure to commercial strains of entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium brunneum Louela A. Castrillo, Cornell University; Albert Mayfield, USDA-FS-SRS; Michael H. Griggs, USDA-ARS; Robert Camp, University of Tennessee; Bryan Mudder, USDA-FS- SRS; Adam Taylor, University of Tennessee; and John D. Vandenberg, USDA-ARS

[Abstract: Thousand cankers disease (TCD), caused by the walnut twig beetle (WTB), Pityophthorus juglandis, and its associated fungal symbiont, Geosmithia morbida, is a disease of economic and ecological concern on eastern black walnut, Juglans nigra. Using both laboratory and field experiments, we demonstrated the susceptibility of WTB to commercial strains of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (strain GHA) and Metarhizium brunneum (strain F52). Four days after adults were dipped in fungal spore suspensions, mean mortality was 91% and 96% at the higher concentration (106 conidia per ml) of B. bassiana and M. brunneum, respectively, whereas control mortality was 17%. In laboratory and field bioassays using sprayed black walnut bolts, treatment with entomopathogenic fungi reduced both the number of successful attacks and the emergence of next-generation adults (>80% reduction). These results demonstrate the potential use of entomopathogenic fungi in the integrated management of TCD in walnut trees.]

3. Physiological effects on native subterranean termites and their gut biota after feeding on wood infected with Ophiostomatoid fungi Natalie A. Dearing, Mississippi State University; Natalie A. Clay, Louisiana Tech University; Natraj Krishnan and John J. Riggins, Mississippi State University

4. Forest health monitoring: Status and direction. Tom Eager, USDA-FS-WO and Karen Ripley, USDA-FS-R6

5. Kudzu, kudzu bug, and biological control in agriculture and forests: A tale of two systems Jerome F. Grant, University of Tennessee; Kadie Britt, Virginia Tech; and Amy Michael, University of Tennessee

[Abstract: Kudzu, Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd), which is native to Asia, was introduced into the U.S. at the Philadelphia Continental Exposition in the late 1800s as an ornamental plant. During the 1930s and 1940s, it was promoted widely for its use in erosion control and as a forage for livestock. Growers were provided monetary compensation to plant kudzu, which contributed to its widespread movement into many areas. Its major impact is environmental and ecological, especially

upon plant communities and native vegetation, which it shades and crowds. Kudzu also has a negative impact on land values because of the difficulty in eradicating severe infestations. Kudzu is widely distributed and naturalized throughout the U.S., where it is easily identified by its rapidly growing, coiling vines that climb over trees and shrubs, as well as abandoned vehicles and structures. Kudzu grows along roadsides, hillsides, disturbed areas, and in unmanaged areas. Once it becomes established, kudzu is difficult to manage and populations can increase rapidly. Effective management of kudzu is a long-term, area-wide, expensive process. Because of management costs, kudzu often grows untreated, unmanaged, and unabated. The kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Hemiptera: Plataspidae), native to Asia, is the only representative of its family in North America. This invasive insect species was first found in the U.S. in Georgia in 2009, and has since spread throughout the southeastern U.S. It was first documented in Tennessee in 2012, and is now found in ca. 70 counties. Although it feeds primarily on kudzu, it also will feed and cause economic losses on soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. The kudzu bug also can become a homeowner concern when it invades homes and buildings. Thus, the presence of kudzu bug in new areas causes agricultural (impact on soybean production), urban (home invasions and pesticide-related expenses), and health-related concerns (allergies, fear of insects in the home, etc.). In a forest setting, however, the kudzu bug is considered a biological control agent of kudzu and its feeding can reduce kudzu biomass, so it is beneficial in a forest system but is detrimental as a herbivore in an agricultural system. The purpose of this poster was to provide information on the incidence of kudzu bug and its natural enemies in two systems: agriculture (i.e., soybean) and forest (i.e., kudzu growing in forest edges). Both systems play an important role in development, proliferation, and success of populations of kudzu bug and its natural enemies. Biological control interests focused on reducing populations of kudzu bug in each system are different, as kudzu bug may be considered a biological control agent of kudzu in forest edges but a pest in soybean fields. Biological control activities against kudzu bug will be an important option for management of kudzu bug in soybean, where several egg parasitoid species and a fungal pathogen could be beneficial, but these biological control activities may be problematic to kudzu management in a forest system. Cooperative efforts among agencies, growers, etc. will ensure that the interests of those involved in all systems are included in development of biological control programs.]

6. Africa’s ash paradox: Providing refugia for North American ash species threatened by the emerald ash borer in their home range Ignazio Graziosi, University of Kentucky; Lynne Rieske-Kinney, University of Kentucky; Eston Mutitu, Kenya Forestry Research Institute; Robert Jetton, North Carolina State University; Dana Nelson, USDA-FS-SRS; and Gianfranco Curletti, Museum of Natural History of Carmagnola Turin

7. Sirex nigricornis F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) oviposition and development relating to bolt age and a novel system for live-trapping wood borers Jess A. Hartshorn, University of Arkansas and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Larry D. Galligan, Ace J. W. Lynn-Miller, and Fred M. Stephen, University of Arkansas

[Abstract: Sirex nigricornis F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) is a pine-inhabiting woodwasp native to eastern North America. A non-native congener, S. noctilio F., was discovered along the southeastern shore of Lake Ontario in New York in 2004 and its current distribution now includes seven northeastern states, Ontario, and Quebec. Research on these two species, and their associates, requires efficient methods for collection of, and oviposition by, live females in artificial conditions. We designed, tested and present here a novel live trapping method for collection of adult female S. nigricornis or other large woodborers.

Moisture content has been implicated as a key factor in determining host suitability for S. nigricornis oviposition and development. We measured changes in moisture content along the length of shortleaf pine bolts over time and exposed S. nigricornis mating pairs to ten replicates of three treatments (0, 15, 30 days field-seasoned) of shortleaf pine bolts. Laboratory emergence was monitored and oviposition preference was quantified among bolt ages and associated moisture contents. Moisture content decreased over time, with the majority of moisture loss occurring at the distal ends of bolts. Females significantly preferred drilling in freshly cut bolts, however, successful development and emergence occurred only in 15-day-old bolts. Future studies incorporating laboratory rearing should keep bolts protected from woodborers either outdoors, or in a humidity and temperature controlled room to mimic environmental conditions, for approximately 15 days prior to laboratory oviposition.]

8. Assessing risk of walnut twig beetle infesting black walnut in the forest Philip Hensley, Jerome F. Grant, Gregory J. Wiggins, Paris L. Lambdin, University of Tennessee and Paul R. Merten, USDA-FS-FHP

[Abstract: Walnut twig beetle (WTB), Pityophthorus juglandis, has a pivotal role in the spread of thousand cankers disease (TCD) and the resulting decline and death of black walnut trees. WTB vectors the fungus Geosmithia morbida, which forms numerous cankers on the tree trunk, reducing nutrient flow throughout the tree. Although WTB and TCD have been documented in urban and rural areas in numerous states, little is known about their presence in forest systems. Thus, the overall research goal is to further enhance our knowledge and understanding of the incidence, distribution, and dispersal of WTB on black walnuts in forests. Specific objectives of this research are to: 1) assess dispersal ability of WTB within a forest and 2) determine dispersion pattern of WTB in black walnut orchards. Dispersal of WTB within a forest: No apparent trend in WTB movement was observed, as WTB were collected at various distances and directions from a central adult release in Spring and Fall. WTB collections were higher in the Spring (n=14) than in the Fall (n=8). However, only 7.3% of the released beetles were recovered. WTB was collected in traps >50 m from release sites (11 of 18 traps), which demonstrates its ability to disperse in low numbers within a forest. Dispersal may be enhanced by the close proximity of traps to one another, creating a ‘chemical corridor’ to assist with navigation to farther traps. Dispersion pattern of WTB: Weekly trap catches are ongoing and will continue into October 2017. Collected data will be used to model infestation of adjacent trees using interpolation techniques, such as Kriging, Euclidean distance, and inverse distance weighting in ArcGIS 10. These models will document the potential number of trees infested with WTB and illustrate variations in the distribution pattern of WTB throughout the year. These results show that WTB can disperse to walnut in forests, although the dispersal is limited and numerous factors may affect it. This research will be useful in assessing the risk to large walnut orchard producers in several states as it will document how WTB may progress through existing orchards of black walnuts. This research will inform management decisions on TCD in forest systems, and also contribute to our understanding of the spread of TCD in urban and rural environments. Further research will determine specific factors that influence WTB dispersal, thereby enhancing management efforts against WTB.]

9. Use of the UAS DJI Phantom 4 to assess pine mortality in a 12 year old plantation David K. Kulhavy, Daniel R. Unger, Yanli Zhang, Rebecca Kidd and I-Kuai Hung, Stephen F. Austin State University

10. Characterizing the effects of prescribed fire on Ips spp. infestation growth and Pinus spp. mortality Bailey McNichol, University of Georgia; John Nowak, USDA-FS-FHP; Brittany Barnes, University of Georgia; Brian Sullivan, USDA-FS-SRS; and Kamal Gandhi, University of Georgia

[Abstract: The three pine engraver species prevalent in the southeastern U.S., Ips calligraphus (Germar), I. grandicollis (Eichhoff), and I. avulsus (Eichhoff), are typically secondarily colonizers of stressed, damaged, and dying pine trees. Some abiotic factors known to cause physiological stress to southern pines include lightning strikes, mechanical damage, windthrow, fire, drought, and extreme temperatures. In 2016, the southeastern region experienced a drought that reached severe levels in September and October. Over 230 Ips beetle infestations greater than five hectares in size were documented in Georgia during the drought period. Prescribed burning is a major forest management activity in southeastern pine forests, and loblolly pines in the Piedmont region are generally burned at 2-3 year intervals. Burning is conducted for a variety of economic and ecological reasons including reducing fuel-loads, removing slash from the forest, improving wildlife habitat, managing competing vegetation, and controlling insects and diseases. However, prescribed fire is not without risk as these trees may become more susceptible to insects and diseases due to stress and damage. The effects of prescribed fire on Ips beetle activity when their population levels are high have not been well studied. Our research objectives are to determine the effects of low-intensity prescribed fire on Ips beetle activity, and to determine the rate of loblolly pine mortality in burned versus unburned stands. Periodic tree health measurements and assessments of Ips activity will be performed to quantify differences in stands treated with recent (2017) prescribed fire and stands not exposed to fire. As data are rarely collected on large-scale Ips beetle outbreaks, this study will document interactions between drought, fire, Ips activity, and pine mortality. We hope that our results will help inform forester and landowner decisions on the utility of prescribed fire in stands experiencing active Ips infestations.]

11. Semiochemical communication between sympatric southern pine beetle and black turpentine beetles in southern pine forests Holly L. Munro, University of Georgia; Brian T. Sullivan, USDA-FS-SRS; Brittany F. Barnes, Christian Montes, University of Georgia; John T. Nowak, USDA-FS-FHP; Caterina Villari and Kamal J.K. Gandhi, University of Georgia

[Abstract: Southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann) (SPB) is the most economically significant bark beetle species that can cause pine mortality in southeastern U.S. SPB create serpentine galleries in the phloem of pines, disrupting the host tree’s capacity to transport nutrients, thus, causing tree death. SPB uses a complex semiochemical system that utilizes both SPB pheromones (e.g., frontalin and endo-brevicomin) and tree volatiles (e.g., monoterpenes) to mass attack trees and successfully overcome host defenses. There are no known tree volatiles that, in the absence of pheromones, initially attract pioneer SPB to suitable hosts. However, pheromone components released by a sympatric, congeneric bark beetle – black turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus terebrans Olivier) (BTB) – that is attracted to volatiles of susceptible hosts, may act as secondary attractants for SPB. Our research will assess the capacity of the synthetic known pheromone components of BTB in combination with host odors for their attractiveness to SPB. Results from this study may help determine whether BTB populations initially influence SPB population levels, and if monitoring or reducing BTB populations might help with predicting SPB outbreaks and SPB management. If an SPB-BTB interdependence is detected, results from this study may refine the prediction models for SPB, thus providing critical pest management technology for maintaining forest health in southeastern U.S. pine forests.]

12. On the clock: The phenology of emerald ash borer and its parasitoids in a southern climate Forest Palmer, Jerome F. Grant, Gregory J. Wiggins, University of Tennessee and Juli Gould, USDA-APHIS-PPQ

[Abstract: The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive wood-boring beetle native to eastern Asia. It was first found in North America near Detroit, MI, in 2002. The primary habitat and food source for EAB is ash (Fraxinus spp.). Since its introduction to the U.S., EAB has caused the deaths of millions of trees. EAB was initially discovered in Tennessee in 2010, and open releases of introduced parasitoids (Spathius agrili, n ≈ 24,000, and Tetrastichus planipennisi, n ≈ 84,000) were initiated at five sites in 2012. Following these releases, studies were initiated in January 2015 to assess the establishment of these parasitoids using 10 pan traps deployed per site. Traps were collected once each week in spring and summer, and once every other week in fall and winter. Collections were taken to the laboratory and examined under a microscope. In addition, studies were initiated to determine the phenology of both EAB and its introduced parasitoids in a southern climate. These phenology studies began in April 2016 at two sites (Ramsey Historic House and Doyle Farm), where trees were cut and/or debarked every 7 to 14 days for 1½ years. The number and life stage of EAB larvae and any associated parasitoids were recorded. This poster summarizes those studies. Few introduced parasitoids were recovered, and several species of native parasitoids were recovered in low numbers. In the southern U.S., EAB exhibits an annual life cycle as compared to a 1½ year life cycle exhibited in the northern U.S. These EAB/parasitoid phenologies provide only a small window of opportunity for the parasitoids to parasitize the appropriate EAB life stage in the southern U.S. (roughly mid-June to the beginning of August). In fact, introduced parasitoids were not recovered during these 'windows of opportunities’, suggesting that they may not be good candidates for biological control of EAB in the southern U.S. These findings suggest that EAB and its introduced parasitoids are phenologically asynchronous in the southern U.S. This asynchrony indicates that parasitoids being used to reduce populations of EAB in the northern U.S. are not able to efficiently establish in the southern U.S. Thus, biological control efforts against EAB in the south need to be reevaluated to possibly introduce more climatically adapted species. This study enhances our understanding of the life cycle of these parasitoids, as well as their role in population dynamics of EAB. Research on these relationships is ongoing.]

13. Short-term effects of a fire in longleaf pine: Implications for forest and ecosystem health Haley M. W. Ritger, University of Georgia and Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center; Steven T. Brantley, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center; Lindsay R. Boring, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center; Joseph J. O’Brien, USDA-FS- SRS; and Kamal J. K. Gandhi, University of Georgia

[Abstract: Longleaf pine forests are dependent on frequent fire to maintain their structure and maximize ecosystem services. Although it is known that fire can impact bark beetles and tree defenses in pines, limited studies have been conducted in these important ecosystems. This study assesses the short-term impacts of a low-severity, dormant season prescribed fire on bark beetles and tree defenses in mature longleaf pines. The study site is comprised of two frequently burned stands of mature (>80 yrs) longleaf pine at the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway in Newton, GA, USA and data were collected during the spring of 2017. Insects were sampled with Lindgren funnel traps baited with pheromone lures aimed at enhancing captures of Ips spp. and associates, and pitfall traps were baited with tree volatiles to catch root-feeding weevils. Resin flow and resin chemistry were sampled before the burn and weekly following the burn for six weeks to track changes in tree defenses against bark beetles and associated pathogens. Beetle identification and chemical analysis of resin are currently ongoing. A preliminary general linear model with resin flow as the response variable, treatment as the factor (burned versus

unburned), and covariates of DBH and pre-burn resin flow showed significant effects of treatment. Higher resin flow in the two weeks following the burn may act as a physical, first line of defense against bark beetles at what is most likely the time in which insects may be attracted to an area following a burn. A subsequent dip in resin flow about three weeks after the burn may be due to trees’ devoting carbon resources to flushing needles to replace those scorched during the burn. Future analyses will determine if increased bark beetle activity correlates with increasing resin flow after the burn and how the chemical constituents of pine resin may change in response to frequent, low-intensity fires.]

14. Emerging technology in forest pest management: Oral delivery of double-stranded RNAs induces mortality in emerald ash borer Thais B. Rodrigues, Lynne Rieske-Kinney, University of Kentucky; Jian Duan, USDA-ARS; and Subba R. Palli, University of Kentucky

15. Re-examining the synergistic effects of trans-verbenol for attracting southern pine beetle William P. Shepherd and Brian T. Sullivan, USDA-FS-SRS

[Abstract: The female southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis, produces the attractant synergist, trans-verbenol, as part of its aggregation pheromone blend. This compound may substitute for the host-produced synergist, alpha-pine, prior to beetle entrance into the phloem and subsequent release of resin volatiles. However, previous research has shown the synergistic effect of trans-verbenol to be weak. We attempted to answer some of the remaining questions about the role of trans-verbenol as a component in the aggregation pheromone of D. frontalis, and whether this compound could enhance the current standard detection lure used to monitor D. frontalis and its major predator, Thanasimus dubius. We found that the addition of trans-verbenol to traps located far from infestations and baited with frontalin and endo-brevicomin lures did not significantly increase D. frontalis catch (although it did for T. dubius). The two enantiomers of trans-verbenol were not significantly different in antennal response threshold or attractiveness to traps for D. frontalis. Neither enantiomer was more attractive than the lure-grade trans-verbenol. Slight increases in trap catch of D. frontalis were observed with higher release rates of lure-grade trans-verbenol, so we determined that excessive release rates in previous experiments did not contribute to the observed weak synergistic effects. In conclusion, none of our observations support a change in the standard detection lure for D. frontalis.]

16. Emerald ash borer biological control, adult parasitoid competition, emergence synchrony, and woodpecker interactions Max Ragozzino and Scott Salom, Virginia Tech and Jian Duan, USDA-ARS

Minutes of the SFIWC Business Meeting (held in conjunction with 6th NAFIWC) Tuesday, May 31, 2016 The Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel Washington, D.C.

Chairman Kier Klepzig called this meeting of the Southern Forest Insect Work Conference to order at 4:06 PM. He welcomed everyone to the meeting. Chairman Klepzig asked first-time attendees to stand and introduce themselves (there were none). The group then paused for a moment of silence in remembrance of SFIWC member, John C. Moser, who passed away since the last meeting. The SFIWC Executive Committee decided to donate $100.00 to the Rapides Wildlife Association in John’s memory. Members were invited to share announcements of professional transitions or retirements (there were none).

Secretary-Treasurer Will Shepherd reported that minutes of the 2015 meeting in Fayetteville, Arkansas are available in the Proceedings on the SFIWC website. Financially, SFIWC had a checking account balance of $7,735.72 on 12/31/15. Income for the Fayetteville meeting exceeded expenses by $1,401.87.

Old Business

None.

New Business

Jiri Hulcr, 2017 Local Arrangements Chair, announced three possible locations in Florida for the 2017 SFIWC meeting: Melbourne, Orlando, and Daytona Beach. He is currently collecting input on location preferences from SFIWC members, with the final decision to be made soon.

Chairman Klepzig told everyone to begin thinking about potential nominations for next year’s A.D. Hopkins Award.

Steve Clarke asked everyone to visit him or the registration table to donate non-perishable food items or money for NAFIWC’s food drive. All donations will be sent to the Capital Area Food Bank.

Will Shepherd announced that the R.F. Anderson Award will be presented at the NAFIWC Business Meeting on Friday.

Scott Salom invited everyone to the opening reception at 6:00 PM on the Wardman East Lawn.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:24 PM.

45 Minutes of the SFIWC Opening Business Meeting Wednesday, July 26, 2017 Crowne Plaza Melbourne – Oceanfront Melbourne, Florida

Chairman Kier Klepzig called the 58th meeting of the Southern Forest Insect Work Conference to order at 8:01 AM. He welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Will Shepherd, Jiri Hulcr, Elizabeth Benton, and Lori Chamberlin for organizing the event. Program Chair, Jiri Hulcr welcomed everyone to Melbourne and gave a brief history of forestry in Florida. Chairman Klepzig asked first-time attendees to stand and introduce themselves. Program Co-Chair, Elizabeth Benton, announced a minor program change: sessions in the Martinique/Trinidad room would be moved to the Aruba room on Thursday and Friday. The group then paused for a moment of silence in remembrance of former SFIWC members, John Moser, Peter Vité, and Ken Swain, and for legendary forest entomologist, Richard “Skeeter” Werner, who all passed away since the 2015 meeting. Members were invited to share announcements of professional transitions or retirements. Ron Billings, Bill Upton, and Michael Murphrey all retired from the Texas A&M Forest Service. Forrest Oliveria and Jim Smith retired from the USDA Forest Service (Forest Health Protection).

Reports Secretary-Treasurer Will Shepherd reported that minutes of the 2015 meeting in Fayetteville, Arkansas are available in the Proceedings on the SFIWC website. Financially, SFIWC had a checking account balance of $7,424.26 on 12/31/16. Income for the Fayetteville meeting exceeded expenses by $1,401.87.

Steve Clarke read the Historian’s Report (see attached) with highlights of the five meetings previously held in Florida. Ron Billings has retired and is stepping down as SFIWC Historian, so the position needs to be filled with a volunteer.

Photo Salon – Brittany Barnes thanked everyone who submitted pictures for this year’s Photo Salon. She said that winners would be announced at the Awards Banquet on Thursday. She also asked that everyone participate in the group photos during the first break.

Common Names – Alex Mangini (not present) submitted a report stating that no proposed names had been submitted since the last meeting (see attached). Alex is stepping down as the committee chair, and there was some brief discussion that the committee should be discontinued (tabled until closing business meeting).

Website – Keith Douce not present. There was some discussion that a new Website Coordinator is needed to enhance and expand the SFIWC website.

Resolutions – Kamal Gandhi reported that there are no resolutions pending at this time.

Theses and Dissertations – David Kulhavy said that he is creating a historical index to be ready by the 2018 meeting.

46 Steve Clarke asked everyone to visit the registration table to donate non-perishable food items or money for SFIWC’s annual food drive. All donations will be sent to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida on Friday.

Steve Clarke gave details on the Frustrana Cup Flick n Sticks tournament to be held on Thursday afternoon on the beach.

Fred Stephen stated that Frontalis Cup participants would play on Thursday at the Viera East Golf Club.

Jiri Hulcr announced that the forest health field trip participants would meet in the hotel lobby on Thursday at 12:30 PM, where they would be served boxed lunches and then travel by van to the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary.

Old Business

Steve Clarke reminded everyone that the History Committee still needs a Chair (SFIWC Historian).

New Business

Nominations – A new Counselor is needed to replace Jeffrey Eickwort for a three-year term on the Executive Committee. Voting on nominees will be held during the closing business meeting. Contact Kier if you wish to submit a nomination.

A vote on whether to discontinue the Common Names Committee will take place at the closing business meeting.

Kamal Gandhi informed everyone about the SFIWC Diversity Statement (see attached) that she drafted and sent out to membership. Copies also are available at the registration table. She said that is important for SFIWC to have the statement and to think about it over the next few days before the vote at the closing business meeting.

Chairman Klepzig announced that the 2018 SFIWC will be held July 17-20 in San Antonio, Texas at the Menger Hotel. Shane Harrington is the Local Arrangements Chair.

SFIWC 2019 will be held in Savannah, Georgia with Chip Bates as the Local Arrangements Chair. Kier asked everyone to think about possible sites for the 2020 meeting.

Graduate Student Session – Robert Jetton invited everyone to the session this afternoon and announced that Elizabeth Benton would be the new session coordinator (3-year term).

Poster Session – Luke Dodd asked everyone to attend the Wednesday night poster reception. The poster boards may be rearranged to better fit in the space. Posters must be removed by Thursday evening.

47 Chairman Klepzig announced the SFIWC Awards Banquet on Thursday evening, where the A.D. Hopkins, Roger F. Anderson, and Graduate Student Presentation Awards would be presented.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:39 AM.

48 Minutes of the Awards Banquet Thursday, July 27, 2017 Crowne Plaza Melbourne – Oceanfront Melbourne, Florida

Chairman Kier Klepzig called the awards ceremony to order at 7:41 PM.

A.D. Hopkins Award – Kier Klepzig reported that there was no winner this year. He thanked Committee Chair, Lynne Rieske-Kinney, and committee members, Chip Bates, Jeff Eickwort, Don Grosman, Robert Jetton, Paul Merten, and Kimberly Wallin.

Brittany Barnes invited everyone to participate in sunrise yoga at 6:00 AM on Friday.

Photo Salon – Brittany Barnes stated that there not many photos submitted this year. She announced the 1st Place winners in each category, as well as the Best in Show winner, and thanked the judges (see attached). Brittany said that 43 photos were submitted this year from 9 photographers, whom she thanked. The pictures will be forwarded to the Bugwood website.

Steve Clarke again asked attendees to give generously to the food drive.

Graduate Student Presentation Awards – Robert Jetton, Graduate Student Session Chair, presented the Runner-Up award and $100 to Thomas Whitney, a Ph.D. student of Kamal Gandhi at University of Georgia. The 1st Place award and $200 were presented to David Olson, an M.S. student of Lynne Rieske-Kinney at University of Kentucky. Robert thanked the students and four judges: Jeff Dean, Anna Greis, Kier Klepzig, and Kimberly Wallin.

Roger F. Anderson Award – Jerome Grant, Chair, thanked committee members Elizabeth Benton, David Kulhavy, Lynne Rieske-Kinney, and JT Vogt. He recognized last year’s winner (awarded at the 2016 North American Forest Insect Work Conference), Elizabeth Benton, a Ph.D. student of Jerome Grant at University of Tennessee. Jerome announced that Molly Darr, a Ph.D. student of Scott Salom at Virginia Tech, received the 2017 award. Molly was not in attendance, so the check for $300 and personalized award plaque will be mailed to her in a few weeks.

Chairman Klepzig adjourned the awards ceremony at 7:57 PM.

49 Minutes of the SFIWC Closing Business Meeting Friday, July 28, 2017 Crowne Plaza Melbourne – Oceanfront Melbourne, Florida

Chairman Kier Klepzig called the meeting to order at 11:38 AM.

Old Business

Robert Jetton announced that the judges’ evaluation form would be sent out to all students participating in the Graduate Student Presentation competition.

SFIWC Food Drive – Steve Clarke thanked everyone for their cash donations, totaling $478.

Frustrana Cup – Steve Clarke reported that 16 teams (32 participants) played in the Flick n Sticks tournament on Thursday afternoon and that the team of Bud Mayfield and Wayne Langston won the event.

SFIWC Historian – Steve Clarke thanked Ron Billings for his long tenure as Historian (since 1995). He welcomed anyone who wants to volunteer as SFIWC Historian to contact him.

SFIWC Website – Chairman Klepzig reminded everyone that we still need a volunteer for SFIWC Website Coordinator. Steve Clarke said that the new Website Coordinator will work closely with the new History Committee and that SFIWC needs a social media presence. He suggested that a graduate student might be the best fit for the position.

Frontalis Cup – Rusty Rhea announced that Bob Coulson won the 2017 Frontalis Cup golf tournament.

Common Names Committee – Robert Jetton moved that the committee be discontinued. The motion passed.

SFIWC Diversity Statement – Chairman Klepzig asked for further discussion on the proposed SFIWC diversity statement. There being none, Lynne Rieske-Kinney moved to adopt the statement. The motion passed.

Election of Counselor – JT Vogt was nominated as candidate for Counselor, 2017-2020. The members voted, and JT was elected Counselor.

New Business

Meeting sites for 2020, 2021 – Lynne Rieske-Kinney suggested Lexington, Kentucky, and Robert Jetton suggested Raleigh, North Carolina as possibilities. These locations will be discussed further by the SFIWC Executive Committee.

There being no further business, Chairman Klepzig thanked this year’s officers, organizers, moderators, and presenters who contributed to the 58th SFIWC.

Meeting adjourned at 11:48 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

William P. Shepherd, Secretary-Treasurer

51 Diversity and Inclusion Statement July 2017

The Southern Forest Insect Work Conference (SFIWC) is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of forest entomology and forest health, providing a medium of exchange for professional thought, and serving as a technical resource on forest insect problems of the southern United States. As a professional group, SFIWC values the immense diversity of its members. We welcome and encourage participation of all individuals irrespective of their age, cultural background, gender, gender identity, physical ability, professional status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and any other diverse characteristics. SFIWC strongly cultivates an atmosphere and culture built on excellence, mutual respect, tolerance, and professionalism. Together, we vigorously denounce and stand against discrimination, isolation, prejudice, and unprofessional behavior and conduct. SFIWC aspires to inclusion, dignity, and respect for all individuals. Our common goal is to achieve excellence, and create mutually beneficial and supportive networks for all members in our professions and beyond.

52 SFIWC Financial Report, CY 2016-2017

SFIWC Income & Expenditures January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2017

Balance on hand, 1/1/16 $7,735.72

Income Registration and Banquet fees $0.00 Banking credit $92.59 Available Funds $7,828.31

Expenses 2016 Meeting (NAFIWC) $0.00 Awards & Administration $404.05 Total Expenses $404.05

Balance on hand, 12/31/16 $7,424.26

------

Balance on hand, 1/1/17 $7,424.26

Income Registration and Banquet fees $21,883.98 Available Funds $29,308.24

Expenses 2017 Meeting $20,921.54 Awards & Administration $805.79 Total Expenses $21,727.33

Balance on hand, 12/31/17 $7,580.91

Historian’s Report 58th SFIWC Melbourne, Florida

This is the 58th annual meeting of the Southern Forest Insect Work Conference and the sixth time the group has met in the great state of Florida. The first Florida event was held in Gainesville in 1965 – our 10th Conference. The chairman was Richard Mason, who resigned following the Conference to join the US Forest Service research group in Corvallis, Oregon. He was replaced by Cal Morris, state pest specialist from Virginia. The Conference theme was “Forest Insect Population Dynamics.” A pre-conference workshop on forest acarology was organized by a fledgling entomologist by the name of John C. Moser. The 1965 Conference recognized the pioneering efforts of R. J. Kowal and L. W. Orr that resulted in the organization of the SFIWC. A record 82 were in attendance. Other officers included E. P. Merkel, R. C. Thatcher, and L. A. Cambre, counselors, and H. O. Yates III, program chairman.

The second Florida meeting was held again in Gainesville on August 10 – 13, 1981. Chairman was Roy Hedden and Secretary-Treasurer was Garland Mason; counselors were Wayne Berisford, John Godbee, and Terry Price. Workshop topics covered the usual diversity of southern forest pest problems. Attendance was 125. This was the last year the Conference presented the “Outstanding Contribution Awards” in forest insect research and applications. Fred Hain was appointed chairman of a committee to revise and restructure the outstanding contributions award. The end result was the A. D. Hopkins Award, first presented to Roger Anderson in 1983.

The third meeting in Florida was held at Lake Buena Vista from August 8 – 10, 1989. Nearby “Disney World” was an attraction for many entomologists and their families. Chairman in 1989 was Pete Lorio, Secretary/Treasurer was Alex Mangini, and Counselors were Chuck Dull, Bob Bridges, and Bruce Kauffman. Major topics of discussion were the increasing concern for forest health and the decline of forest biology, including the creation of the National Council on Forest Health Issues. Attendance was at least 78, based on a head count of the group photos. The 1988 A. D. Hopkins Award winner Ron Billings, Texas Forest Service, was presented his plaque by charter member and previous winner Robert Thatcher. Fred Stephen, University of Arkansas, was selected to receive the 1989 A. D. Hopkins Award.

The fourth Conference in Florida was held at the Beachside Resort and Conference Center at Pensacola Beach on August 2 –5, 1999. Attendance was 94. Chairman was Bill Carothers, Secretary/Treasurer was John Foltz, and Counselors were Andy Boone, Fred Stephen, and Joe Pase. Program Chairman was Kier Klepzig and local arrangements were handled by Wayne Brewer. Opening remarks were provided by a noted forest pathologist, Ed Barnard, Florida Division of Forestry, who spoke on “Reflections of an Aging Forest Pathologist.” Following a plenary session entitled “The Scope and Bounds of Forest Protection,” several workshops focused on exotic, invasive pests, a relatively new concern in the South. The 1998 winner of the A. D. Hopkins Award, Evan Nebeker, Mississippi State University, gave a stimulating award address and the1999 winner was announced. The award that year went to John Moser, with the U.S. Forest Service. In the final business meeting, the motion to register sfiwc.org as the

Conference’s official domain name was voted on and approved. Fred Stephen was awarded the coveted Frontalis Cup golf trophy.

The most recent Conference in Florida was held from August 2-5, 2004 at the Radisson Riverwalk Hotel in Tampa. Herbert “Joe” Pase was Chairman, John Foltz was Secretary- Treasurer and Counselors were Paul Merten, Bud Mayfield and Don Grosman. Lynne Rieske- Kinney was Program Chairman, and John Nowak and Rusty Rhea handled local arrangements. Attendance numbered 97, including 16 students and 3 retirees.

Ed Barnard, forest pathologist with the Florida Division of Forestry, delivered a welcoming presentation entitled Forests and Forestry in Florida, an Historical Perspective. Threats to Forests in Florida and the South was the theme for the Plenary Session. Concurrent workshops focused on the SPB Prevention Program, hemlock woolly adelgid, southern forest defoliators, biological control of invasive weeds, monitoring and modeling technologies, and non-native pests in the South.

The 2004 A. D. Hopkins Award was presented to Dr. David Kulhavy by Forrest Oliveria, the previous year’s recipient. Brian Strom won the Frontalis Cup. First places in the Photo Salon went to Joe Pase (forest insects, forest insect damage and humorous), Bob Rabaglia (series) and Tom Coleman (other category). At the closing business meeting, a motion was made and approved for development of a graduate student award in memory of Roger Anderson. Fred Hain volunteered to develop the guidelines.

Finally, please pay tribute to three notable forest entomologists and past members of the SFIWC who passed since our last Conference in 2015: John Moser, Pierre “Peter” Vité and Ken Swain. John, who passed away in 2015 following a 50-year career with the U. S. Forest Service, was an internationally known expert on mites, leaf-cutting ants, gall wasps, and southern pine beetle. John was the 1999 recipient of the Hopkins Award. Peter Vité administered the Southern Forest Research Institute (1963-1974) in east Texas, and was responsible for much of the early pheromone research on southern pine beetle. Ken, a career forest entomologist with the U.S. Forest Service in the western and southern U.S., was the 1994 recipient of the A.D. Hopkins Award.

Other recipients of the A. D. Hopkins Award who have passed are Roger Anderson (1st recipient in 1983) and Pete Lorio (1993 recipient). Current SFIWC members opting to retire since our 2015 Conference include Carolyn Scott, Jim Hanula, Jim Smith, Forrest Oliveria, Michael Murphrey, Bill Upton, and Ron Billings. Mike Conner and Steve Munson, who were members of the SFIWC early in their careers, also retired within the last year.

It has been my pleasure to serve as Historian of the SFIWC for the past 20 years. In light of my planned retirement at the end of August, the SFIWC will need to identify some other candidate to assume my duties as Historian.

Respectfully submitted,

Ronald F. Billings Historian

Common Names Committee Report

I will not be attending the 58th annual Southern Forest Insect Work Conference in Melbourne, Florida on 25-28 July 2017. Therefore, I am submitting the annual report of the Common Names Committee to you for inclusion in the meeting minutes. I report that no common name applications were submitted to the Committee since the last SFIWC meeting in 2015 at Fayetteville, AR (NAFIWC intervened in 2016).

Also, by this letter, I am resigning as Chairman of the Common Names Committee, effective at the conclusion of the final business meeting on 28 July 2017. I have been Chairman for a long time; I took it on after the previous Chairman, the late Dr. John C. Moser, gave it up on his retirement from the Forest Service in 1989.

Issues with travel policy make my regular attendance at the annual meeting problematic; to me, it is unseemly to lead a Standing Committee and not attend the meetings. That, and my many years at the post, tell me that someone else should do this.

Having been absent for a few years, I have no one to recommend; it will be necessary to solicit a volunteer. In fact, members may want discuss the need for the Common Names Committee. The last common name submission was in 2005 — twelve years ago. Can common name requests can be handled differently? This is just a thought for consideration.

It has been my pleasure to serve the SFIWC over the years. I will be happy to assist the new leader of the Common Names Committee in any way I can.

Sincerely,

/s/ Alex Mangini Chair, SFIWC Common Names Committee

Photo Salon Awards 2017 SFIWC – Melbourne, Florida Brittany Barnes, Organizer

Forest Insect 1st Place Joe Pase – Greenbottle fly

Forest Insect Damage 1st Place Holly Munro – Ips damage

Series 1st Place Dave Coyle – Periodical cicada emergence

Other 1st Place Thomas Whitney – Wolf spider on the prowl

Entomologists or Forest Health Specialists at Work 1st Place Brittany Barnes – Teamwork

Humorous 1st Place Thomas Whitney – Everyone know their job? Good.

Best in Show Brittany Barnes – Mom and child chilling

Judges: Chip Bates, Caterina Villari, and Margot Wallston

57 Officers and Committees – 2015-2017

Officers

CHAIR 2014-2017 Kier Klepzig, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, 3988 Jones Center Dr., Newton GA 39870. 229-734-4706. Email [email protected] COUNSELOR 2013-2017 Jeffrey Eickwort, Florida Forest Service, 1911 SW 34th St., Gainesville FL 32608. 352-372- 3505. Email [email protected] COUNSELOR 2014-2018 Lynne Rieske-Kinney, University of Kentucky, Dept. of Entomology, S-225 Ag. Sci. North, Lexington KY 40546-0091. 859-257-1167, Fax 859-323-1120. Email [email protected] COUNSELOR 2015-2019 Kamal Gandhi, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Rm. 4-331, Athens GA 30602. 706-542-4614, Fax 706-542-8356. Email [email protected] IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Donald Grosman, Arborjet Inc., 99 Blueberry Hill Rd., Woburn MA 01801. 781-935-9070 ext 214, Fax 781-935-9080. Email [email protected] CHAIR-ELECT 2015-2017 Robert Jetton, Camcore, North Carolina State University, Dept. of Forestry & Environmental Resources, Campus Box 8008, Raleigh NC 27695. 919-515-6425. Email [email protected] SECRETARY-TREASURER Will Shepherd, USDA Forest Service SRS, 2500 Shreveport Hwy., Pineville LA 71360. 318- 473-7256, Fax 318-473-7222. Email [email protected] ASSISTANT SECRETARY-TREASURER James D. Smith, USDA Forest Service FHP, 2500 Shreveport Hwy., Pineville LA 71360. 318-473-7056, Fax 318-473-7292. Email [email protected] HISTORIAN Ronald F. Billings, Texas A&M Forest Service, 200 Technology Way, Suite 1281, College Station TX 77845. 979-458-6650, Fax 979-458-6655. Email [email protected]

Committees

A. D. HOPKINS AWARD Lynne Rieske-Kinney, University of Kentucky, Dept. of Entomology, S-225 Ag. Sci. North, Lexington KY 40546-0091. 859-257-1167, Fax 859-323-1120. Email [email protected] R. F. ANDERSON AWARD Jerome Grant, University of Tennessee, Dept. of Entomology & Plant Pathology, 2505 E J Chapman Dr., Plant Biotechnology Bldg., Rm. 370, Knoxville TN 37996-4560. 865-974- 0218, Fax 865-974-4744. Email [email protected]

58 COMMON NAMES Alex Mangini, USDA Forest Service FHP, 2500 Shreveport Hwy., Pineville LA 71360. 318- 473-7296, Fax 318-473-7292. Email [email protected] PHOTO SALON Brittany Barnes, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Athens GA 30602. 706-542-1069. Email [email protected] RESOLUTIONS Kamal Gandhi, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Rm. 4-331, Athens GA 30602. 706-542-4614, Fax 706-542-8356. Email [email protected] SFIWC WEBSITE G. Keith Douce, University of Georgia - Tifton, Center for Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health, 2360 Rainwater Rd., Tifton GA 31793. 229-386-3298, Fax 229-386-3352. Email [email protected] THESES AND DISSERTATIONS David Kulhavy, Stephen F. Austin State University, P.O. Box 6109, Nacogdoches TX 75962. 936-468-2141, Fax 936-468-2489. Email [email protected] GRADUATE STUDENT SESSION 2013-2017 Robert Jetton, Camcore, North Carolina State University, Dept. of Forestry & Environmental Resources, Campus Box 8008, Raleigh NC 27695. 919-515-6425. Email [email protected]

58th Conference, July 25-28, 2017 Melbourne, Florida

LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS Jiri Hulcr, University of Florida, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, 136 Newins- Ziegler Hall, P.O. Box 110410, Gainesville FL 32611-0410. 352-273-0299. Email [email protected] PROGRAM Elizabeth Benton, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, 2360 Rainwater Rd., Tifton GA 31793. 229-386-3078. Email [email protected] Lori Chamberlin, Virginia Dept. of Forestry, 900 Natural Resources Dr., Suite 800, Charlottesville VA 22903. 434-220-9026. Email [email protected] FRONTALIS CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT Bob Coulson, Texas A&M University, Dept. of Entomology, College Station TX 77843- 2475. 979-845-9725, Fax 979-862-4820. Email [email protected] FRUSTRANA CUP TOURNAMENT Steve Clarke, USDA Forest Service FHP, 2221 North Raguet St., Lufkin TX 75904. 936- 639-8545, Fax 936-639-8588. Email [email protected]

59 Officers and Committees – 2017-2018

Officers

CHAIR 2017-2019 Robert Jetton, Camcore, North Carolina State University, Dept. of Forestry & Environmental Resources, Campus Box 8008, Raleigh NC 27695. 919-515-6425. Email [email protected] COUNSELOR 2014-2018 Lynne Rieske-Kinney, University of Kentucky, Dept. of Entomology, S-225 Ag. Sci. North, Lexington KY 40546-0091. 859-257-1167, Fax 859-323-1120. Email [email protected] COUNSELOR 2015-2019 Kamal Gandhi, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Rm. 4-331, Athens GA 30602. 706-542-4614, Fax 706-542-8356. Email [email protected] COUNSELOR 2017-2020 JT Vogt, USDA Forest Service SRS, 320 E. Green St., Athens GA 30602. 706-559-4272, Fax 706-559-4220. Email [email protected] IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Kier Klepzig, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, 3988 Jones Center Dr., Newton GA 39870. 229-734-4706. Email [email protected] SECRETARY-TREASURER Will Shepherd, USDA Forest Service SRS, 2500 Shreveport Hwy., Pineville LA 71360. 318- 473-7256, Fax 318-473-7222. Email [email protected] HISTORIAN Paul Merten, USDA Forest Service FHP, 200 W T Weaver Blvd., Asheville NC 28804-3454. 828-257-4845, Fax 828-257-4856. Email [email protected]

Committees

A. D. HOPKINS AWARD Lynne Rieske-Kinney, University of Kentucky, Dept. of Entomology, S-225 Ag. Sci. North, Lexington KY 40546-0091. 859-257-1167, Fax 859-323-1120. Email [email protected] R. F. ANDERSON AWARD Scott Salom, Virginia Tech, Dept. of Entomology, 216 Price Hall, Blacksburg VA 24061- 0319. 540-231-2794, Fax 540-231-9131. Email [email protected] PHOTO SALON Brittany Barnes, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Athens GA 30602. 706-542-1069. Email [email protected] RESOLUTIONS Kamal Gandhi, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Rm. 4-331, Athens GA 30602. 706-542-4614, Fax 706-542-8356. Email [email protected]

60 SFIWC WEBSITE Elizabeth Benton, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, 2360 Rainwater Rd., Tifton GA 31793. 229-386-3078. Email [email protected] G. Keith Douce, University of Georgia - Tifton, Center for Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health, 2360 Rainwater Rd., Tifton GA 31793. 229-386-3298, Fax 229-386-3352. Email [email protected] Holly Munro, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, 180 E. Green St., Athens GA 30602. 706-521-9137. Email [email protected] Haley Ritger, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, 3988 Jones Center Dr., Newton GA 39870. 229-734-4706. Email [email protected] THESES AND DISSERTATIONS David Kulhavy, Stephen F. Austin State University, P.O. Box 6109, Nacogdoches TX 75962. 936-468-2141, Fax 936-468-2489. Email [email protected] GRADUATE STUDENT SESSION 2017-2020 Elizabeth Benton, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, 2360 Rainwater Rd., Tifton GA 31793. 229-386-3078. Email [email protected]

59th Conference, July 17-20, 2018 San Antonio, Texas

LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS Shane Harrington, Texas A&M Forest Service, 200 Technology Way, Suite 1281, College Station TX 77845. 979-458-6656, Fax 979-458-6655. Email [email protected] PROGRAM Bob Coulson, Texas A&M University, Dept. of Entomology, College Station TX 77843- 2475. 979-845-9725, Fax 979-862-4820. Email [email protected] Allen Smith, Texas A&M Forest Service, 1203 W. Loop 281, Suite B102, Longview TX 75604-2902. 903-261-3294, Fax 903-297-5355. Email [email protected] FRONTALIS CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT Bob Coulson, Texas A&M University, Dept. of Entomology, College Station TX 77843- 2475. 979-845-9725, Fax 979-862-4820. Email [email protected] FRUSTRANA CUP TOURNAMENT Steve Clarke, USDA Forest Service FHP, 2221 North Raguet St., Lufkin TX 75904. 936- 639-8545, Fax 936-639-8588. Email [email protected]