2013 Annual Report

2013 Annual Report Project Descriptions

MAINTAINING THE ENVIRONMENT

UVM research scientists and outreach specialists ...

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

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

  • provide pesticide education and safety training for commercial and private Vermont pesticide applicators
    Vermont Pesticide Safety Education Program
    HAZELRIGG 3

  • plant bio-assays done by the UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic under controlled conditions offer a quick and reliable screening method for compost that may contain persistent pesticides
    Compost Bioassay
    HAZELRIGG 3

  • determine how evolutionary changes in introduced species can affect ecosystem properties
    Eco-Evolutionary Feedbacks and the invasive success of introduced Phalaris arundinacea
    MOLOFSKY 3

  • gain an understanding of the biological diversity associated with improved soil quality and function
    Plant-Parasitic Nematode Management as a Component of Sustainable Soil Health Programs in Horticultural and Field Crop Production Systems
    NEHER 3

  • create 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

  • 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

  • address integrated pest management needs and strategies for recurring and emerging insect, disease and weed problems for a wide variety of crops important to Vermont stakeholders
    A Comprehensive, Interdisciplinary Vermont Extension IPM Program Addressing Stakeholder Priorities and Needs
    HAZELRIGG 3a

  • gather a group of Northeast researchers, extension faculty and state organic organization representatives to address small fruit insect, disease and weed issues and disseminate the info shared and learned to our small fruit growers.
    NE IPM Small Fruit Working Group
    HAZELRIGG 3a

  • participate in a NE wide network of Plant Diagnostic Clinics and First Detector Networks to identify new and introduced pests, diseases and invasives
    National Plant Diagnostic Network for the Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative
    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

  • 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

  • evaluate the effectiveness of releasing predatory mites for management of root aphids in Christmas tree plantations.
    An Emerging Problem for Vermont Christmas Tree Growers: Root Aphids
    PARKER 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

  • conduct a trapping program for western bean cutworm in corn-growing areas in Vermont to assess this pest threat
    Developing an IPM Program for Western Bean Cutworm, a New Corn and Dry Bean Pest in the NE Region
    SKINNER 3a

    Nutrient Runoff and Water Quality

  • design and construct a vegetated treatment system for stormwater runoff in a commercial parking lot
    Implementing Low Impact Development in Waitsfield, Vermont
     HURLEY 3b