Madelaine Bartlett, a biologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, is hoping to unlock the genetic secrets of flowering plants — information that could be used to grow better crops. (Globe 7/12/17)
News from the Media
Unlocking Genetic Secrets of Flower Diversity
July 12, 2017
Gypsy Moths Defoliation Almost Over Observes UMass Professor Elkinton
July 3, 2017
This summer, you may have noticed that many trees and shrubs are being defoliated by gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) caterpillars. The good news, sort of, is that this year’s defoliation is almost at an end. (Daily Hampshire Gazette 6/29/17)
Subsidy for Cape Tick Testing Runs Out
June 26, 2017
A subsidized program that allowed Cape Codders to have ticks tested at a university laboratory for a fraction of the cost has exhausted its funding. Residents of Barnstable County now have to pay full price to have ticks evaluated for pathogens at the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Rich at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. (Cape Cod Times 6/24/17)
Garlic Mustard Threatens Native Plants, UMass Assistant Professor Comments
June 26, 2017
Garlic mustard may look innocuous, but the plant exudes a chemical that kills fungi needed by tree seedlings and other forest plants to survive, according to researcher Kristina Stinson at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.(Globe 6/22/17)
Dressings, Dips, Sauces Come Under Scrutiny by UMass Food Scientist
June 26, 2017
AMHERST — University of Massachusetts Amherst food scientist David Julian McClements will lead a team that has received a three-year, $444,550 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study the possibility that eating food nanoemulsions found in dressings, dips or sauces might increase the amount of pesticides absorbed from co-ingested fruits and vegetables, thus increasing risk of adverse health effects. (Recorder 6/22/17; News Office (6/19/17)
UMass Professor Elkinton Weighs in: Rain is Good Sign for Gypsy Moth Control
June 18, 2017
Elkinton said he is hopeful this year’s rain and entomophaga maimaiga fungus will “wipe out the problem and make it a non-problem” and “drive the system to low density again.” (South Coast Today 6/18/17)
Mystery illness killing white pines
June 10, 2017
It is taking place in parking lots, along the sides of roads and anywhere their roots have been unable to spread: diseased white pine trees. UMass Extension comments. (Sun Chronicle 6/10/17)
Gypsy moth caterpillars can put trees at risk for other problems
June 13, 2017
Gypsy moth eggs were first seen hatching near the Quabbin in late April. They have settled there, because of the abundant oak and maple trees. UMass entomologist Tawny Simisky explained how defoliation affects our trees.
“That can weaken the trees and make them more susceptible to secondary invaders- so, other organisms that really aren’t a big problem unless the tree is otherwise unhealthy,” Simisky said. (WWLP 6/12/17)
Bee health is topic of new pollen research at UMass Amherst
June 13, 2017
AMHERST, Mass. – Biology professor Lynn Adler at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, an expert in pollination and plant-insect interactions, recently received a three-year, $1 million grant from a special "pollinator health" program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study the role that sunflower pollen may play in improving bee health. (San Francisco Chronicle, Charlotte Observer, McClatchy, D.C., Western Mass News, WWLP-TV 22 [All from AP], 6/11/17; Phys.org, 6/8/17 ScienceMag 6/8/17; News Office 6/8/17).
Fungus could limit damage from gypsy moth infestation
June 6, 2017
A cold, wet and dreary spring may energize a biological control that will limit damage to trees from gypsy moths. Tawny Simisky, a UMass Extension entomologist, comments. (Worcester Telegram 6/4/17)