FY2012 Annual Report Project Descriptions

FY2012 Annual Report Project Descriptions

ENVIRONMENT

UVM research scientists and outreach specialists ...

  • examine how various ecological and forest management practices affects the future population viability of rare plant Polemonium vanbruntiae. We use ecological modeling to inform conservation management of rare plant populations on National Forest lands.
    The Effect of Management Activities on the Population Persistence of Rare Plant Appalachian Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium Vanbrunatiae) in the Green Mountain National Forest
    BERMINGHAM 3

  • understand invasive earthworm ecology in forested and agricultural ecosystems informs conservation and land management. In particular, the prevention of invasion can help maintain forest health and help vigorous regeneration of sugar maple.
    Earthworm Mediated Losses of N from Dairy and Maple Production Systems in Vermont
    GORRES 3

  • determine if the popular ornamental shrubs Japanese barberry and Oriental bittersweet should continue to be available in nurseries in Vermont
    The Potential Evolutionary Response of Two Woody Invasive Species: Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) and Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
    MOLOFSKY 3

  • develop predictive models of for what phenotypic and ecological characteristics favor invasion into wetland communities.
    Trait variation across species range: Explaining invasion differences
    MOLOFSKY 3

  • develop a better understanding of soil development and stream chemistry in the important headwaters of northern New England
    Collaborative Research: Landform Controls on Hydrologic Flowpaths and Pedogenesis Explain Solute Retention and Export from Pedon to Catchment Scales
    ROSS 3

  • determine the amount of nitrogen that moves directly from precipitation to streams in the northeast
    A Survey of Nitrate Isotopes to Detect Atmospheric Nitrate Inputs to Stream and Soil Waters of Forested Watersheds in the Northeastern USA
    ROSS 3

  • develop a better understanding of carbon and nutrient dynamics in Vermont soils
    Northeast Coordinating Committee on Soil Testing
    ROSS 3

    • Entomology and Integrated Pest Management

  • determine if preadaptations or rapid evolution contributed to the success of CPB in northern temperate potato agroecosystems
    Climate range expansion during colonization of a major crop pest, Colorado Potato Beetle
     CHEN 3a

  • participate in a NE wide network of Plant Diagnostic Clinics and First Detector Networks to identify new and introduced pests, diseases and invasives
    Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network
    HAZELRIGG 3a

  • improve management of soybean cyst nematode by better understanding mechanisms associated with disease suppression
    Ecology of Nematode-Suppressive Soils in Midwest Soybean-Cropping Systems
    NEHER 3a

  • gain a better understanding of the biological diversity in soil that leads to natural disease suppression
    Plant-Parasitic Nematode Management as a Component of Sustainable Soil Health Programs in Horticultural and Field Crop Production Systems
    NEHER 3a

  • assess the potential of fungi for management of thrips in forests and greenhouse ornamental crops.
    Entomopathogenic Fungi for Management of Pear Thrips, Western Flower Thrips and Other Related Insect Pests with Soil - Inhabiting Stages in Greenhouses and Forests
    PARKER 3a

  • assess the virulence and persistence of select fungal isolates applied to hemlock woolly adelgid and determine the occurrence of fungal epizootics within northern New England.
    Hemlock Resource Protection in Northern New England: Assessing the Potential of Myriangium sp., an Insect-Killing Fungus, in Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
    PARKER 3a

  • assess a maple tree species as a sentinel tree system for early detection of the Asian longhorned beetle.
    Biological Control of Arthropod Pests and Weeds
    PARKER 3a

  • assess the effectiveness of combining insect-killing fungi and predatory mites on marigold guardian plant systems for thrips IPM of spring bedding plants in commercial greenhouses.
    Granular Formulations of Insect-Killing Fungi with Plant-Medicated IPM Systems for Thrips
    SKINNER 3a

  • conduct a pilot training program on scouting and pest and disease ID to encourage growers to implement IPM.
    Scouting to Reduce Chemical Pesticide Use in Greenhouse Ornamentals
    SKINNER 3a

  • assess the effectiveness of combining insect-killing fungi and predatory mites on marigold guardian plant systems for thrips IPM in organic greenhouses.
    Fungi, Predatory Mites and Guardian Plants for Thrips IPM in Organic Greenhouse Ornamentals
    SKINNER 3a

  • assess the virulence, persistence and spread of select fungal isolates applied to hemlock woolly adelgid.
    Dynamics of Naturally Occurring Fungal-Induced Epizootics of Hemlock Wooly Adelgid
    SKINNER 3a

  • evaluate the effectiveness of a plant-mediated system combining marigolds, Beauveria bassiana and predatory mites to manage thrips in greenhouse ornamentals.
    Discovery of Entomopathogens and Their Integration and Safety in Pest Management Systems
    SKINNER 3a

    • h4>Nutrient Runoff and Water Quality

  • construct and evaluate a low-impact development stormwater retrofit project aimed at improving water quality using soils and plants to filter parking lot runoff
    Implementing Low Impact Development in Waitsfield, Vermont
     HURLEY 3b

  • help grass-based farmers extend the grazing season and address winter management practices that may reduce feed and energy costs.
    Winter Pasture and Bedded Pack Management for Vermont Dairy Farmers
    NEHER 3b

  • create awareness among stakeholders, agencies, and scientists to develop incentive programs leading to improved water quality Choptank River watershed and to broader regional and national audiences
    improve Agricultural Pollution Control through Performance-based Incentives in the Choptank River Watershed of the Chesapeake Bay
    PARSONS 3b

    • Environmental Management

  • investigate fire feedbacks on ecological communities.
    Linking Models to Data to Investigate Patterns and Process in Savannas
     BECKAGE 3c

    • Forest Resources

  • forecast forest composition and carbon sequestration in response to global climate change.
    Using Historical Change to Predict Future Distribution of High Elevation Forests in Northern New England
     BECKAGE 3d

  • forecast forest composition and carbon sequestration in response to global climate change.
    Projecting climate change impacts on Vermont forests using dynamic vegetation models
    BECKAGE 3d

  • develop protocal to manage pests in sugar maple stands using cultural integrated pest management techniques
    Ecological Management for Sustained Maple Forest Health and Productivity
    TOBI 3d