Confronting the Green Invaders: Understanding and Combatting the Menace of Invasive Plants | |
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Invasive plants are a significant danger to ecosystems around the world. They outcompete native plants, causing a disturbance in the natural balance of habitats. These non-native plants spread rapidly, leading to the displacement of indigenous plants and changes in local biodiversity. The ecological consequences of invasive plants can include a decrease in water quality, alterations in soil composition, and adverse effects on wildlife.
One well-known example of invasive plant species is the kudzu (Pueraria montana), which has rapidly spread throughout the southeastern region of the United States and has been nicknamed "the vine that ate the South." Another invasive species is the European common reed (Phragmites australis), which has become pervasive in wetland ecosystems throughout North America.
It is essential to comprehend how invasive plants invade and to implement effective strategies to control their spread to reduce the ecological harm they cause. Conservation efforts frequently entail monitoring and management programs and public awareness campaigns to prevent the unintentional introduction of invasive species.
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A New CAST Paper is Coming Soon!
CAST will release a new issue paper on February 27, titled "Preventing the Next Invasive Plant: Opportunities and Challenges," during a webinar in partnership with The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA). The webinar is a part of the official programming by NAISMA during the 2024 National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW).
The paper addresses the need to prevent new invasive plant species, reviews tools used by U.S. agencies, identifies barriers, and emphasizes the need for coordination among agencies.
The report is aimed at regulatory agencies, industries, and researchers in various fields, including plant breeding, genetics, agriculture, life sciences, public policy, and international regulation.
More information about the webinar will be provided in the next few weeks.
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A Heartfelt Thank You From CAST
We extend our sincere gratitude for your participation in either the in-person rollout or the webinar release of our paper, "RNA Interference in Agriculture: Methods, Applications, and Governance." Your engagement has been invaluable, contributing to the success of these events.
For those who might have missed the paper release events, we have made the presentation slides and a recording of the webinar available on CAST's website. Additionally, we encourage you to download the full paper.
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Watch the webinar recording: | |
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Upcoming Papers
February 27 (webinar release only)
Preventing the Next Plant Invasion: Opportunities and Challenges
March 20 (in-person rollout in St. Louis, MO)
Applications, Benefits, and Barriers of Genome Edited Crops
Upcoming Webinars
FIFRA/ESA Series
January 30
Developing and Adopting Economically Effective Mitigation Strategies: Critical to the Survival of Agriculture and Endangered Species
February 20
FIFRA, ESA, and Pesticide Consultation: Understanding and Addressing the Complexities
March 12
State Regulatory Agencies as Conduit for Informing Local Conditions in Federal Pesticide Processes
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Animal Agriculture and Environmental News | | |
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Wearable Tech Reveals Key Link Between Estrus Intensity and Cow Pregnancy Rates | A new technology allows farmers to monitor their animals for signs of heat, which can then be used to time insemination. | | | |
Gene-Edited Pigs Show Resistance to PRRSV-2 Infection | A University of Illinois and Acceligen study shows genetically modified pigs lacking PSTII-domain-coding exon 13 are completely resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). | | | |  |
NAHMS to Conduct Sheep Health Study in 2024 for U.S. Industry Insights | The National Animal Health Monitoring System is collaborating with USDA units to conduct the Sheep 2024 Study, providing crucial data on sheep health, management, and industry dynamics. | | | |
Food Science and Safety News | | |
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Researchers Transform Squid Fins into Frozen Food | A research team at the University of Maine has developed a new way to repurpose underutilized squid fins into frozen treats. This initiative aims to address food waste and introduce a unique addition to the culinary world. | | | |
Major French Fry Producer Takes $71 Million Hit Amidst Declining Restaurant Demand | The Idaho-based processor Lamb Weston grapples with surplus as aggressive sales forecasts and diminished restaurant traffic lead to an excess of spuds. | | | | |
Modest Decline in U.S. Food Waste in 2022, but Challenges Persist | While the latest data shows a slight reduction in overall food waste, a report reveals ongoing struggles in managing surplus food, with landfilling rates on the rise for the third consecutive year. | | | |
Plant Agriculture and Environmental News | | |
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Single Gene Unveiled as Culprit for S-Metolachlor Resistance in Waterhemp | A Weed Science Society of America's study reveals crucial insights into herbicide resistance, opening doors for effective management strategies in crop production. | | | |
Crop-Killing Weeds Outpace Chemical Solutions in U.S. Farmlands | Weeds like kochia develop resistance faster than companies can produce new herbicides, posing a major challenge to farmers and fueling concerns over food security. | | | | |
Plant Cell Organelle Unveils Key Role in Aging | Golgi body, a century-old known organelle in plant cells, plays a pivotal role in aging, shedding light on potential implications for human aging and age-related diseases. | | | |
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Red Sea Shipping Crisis Spurs Surge in Freight Rates; U.S. Corn Exports Set to Benefit | Escalating tensions and attacks in the Red Sea are leading to shipping chaos, prompting the rerouting of Ukrainian corn and creating a potential boon for U.S. corn exports. | | | |
Canada Surpasses China as the Largest Foreign Owner of U.S. Farmland | While controversy mounts over foreign land ownership, the focus shifts from China to Canada, prompting states to consider bans and stirring political debates. | | | | |
Severe Drought Threatens Brazil's Soybean and Corn Crops | Diminishing crop prospects raise concerns as unfavorable weather conditions push Brazil's agriculture to the brink. | | | | |
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U.S. Tractor Sales Drop 8% in 2023, While Combine Market Sees a 2% Upswing | The American Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ report unravels the dynamics of agricultural equipment sales in the past year. | | | |
United Soybean Board Unveils 2023 Sustainability Report | U.S. Soy farmers and partners showcase collaborative efforts driving innovation in sustainable agriculture and renewable products. | | | | |
Row Crop Prices Face Continued Decline as 2024 Begins | Corn and soybean prices are hit by global factors, creating stress for producers. | | | |
Unless otherwise noted, photos courtesy of the USDA ARS, Constant Contact, Pixabay, or CAST. Certain images were created by the CAST using AI algorithms for the sole purpose of enhancing a story. | | |
Friday Notes is designed to enhance communication among various agricultural sectors, educators, students, and the public who are interested in a variety of plant, animal, food, and environmental issues. Friday Notes advocates the pursuit of credible, unbiased, science-based information. Material contained in linked articles is from the original authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of CAST. | |
CAST provides Friday Notes as a benefit to its members. Please do not forward, edit, copy, or distribute the Notes in any form to nonmembers without the express permission of CAST. Instead, please encourage your colleagues to join CAST and thereby become eligible for all membership benefits. Contact Colleen Hamilton at 515-292-2125 or [email protected], or CLICK HERE for CAST membership information. For media inquiries, please contact our Communications Manager, Carlos Vianna, at [email protected] or 515-292-2125. | | | | |
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