Taxa Focus: Master

A team led by two Virginia Tech researchers recently compared the whole genome sequence of two genetically distinct lineages of bed bugs. Their findings indicate the human-associated lineage followed a similar demographic pattern as humans and may well be the first true urban pest.

In late April, Dr. Aníbal Pauchard, a professor at the Faculty of Forestry Sciences at the University of Concepción in Chile and Director of the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, visited the Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech.

A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology details how a team of Virginia Tech researchers discovered a gene mutation that could contribute to insecticide resistance in bed bugs.

Jacob Barney, professor of invasive plant ecology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has been appointed by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of the Secretary to serve a two-year term on the Invasive Species Advisory Committee.

As part of National Invasive Species Awareness Week, the Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech has several experts available to speak about biological invasions.

Anyone with invasive plants or insects in their garden knows how frustrating these pests can be. Anne Marie Pfaff, a Rapidan River Extension Master Gardener with plenty of experience fighting invasives, has this advice: Don’t give up.

Virginia Tech entomologists have partnered with Virginia Cooperative Extension to help track and prevent the spread of hybrid fire ants across the Commonwealth.

With colorful and interactive panels, an exhibit on the second floor of Newman Library titled “Invasive Species – A Global Dilemma” highlights the threat of invasive species to Virginia and surrounding regions.

Just 16 short months ago, Carrie Fearer stepped onto Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus, ready to make her mark. Now, she’s not just a faculty member in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, but also a driving force in the College of Natural Resources and Environment’s conservation efforts.

Dr. Jim Westwood’s research of invasive interlopers, along with multiple long-time collaborators, has led to a $1 million National Science Foundation grant to study parasitic plants for a new method of plant genetic manipulation that could enhance food production.

Carrie Fearer joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about forest health in the wake of natural disasters.