On the edge: Protecting Kansas resources from the westward advancement of invasive species

Invasive species pose a significant threat to agricultural and natural resources across the country. Many of these invasive insects are gradually advancing from the east into the midwest. The Plant Protection and Weed Control program at the Kansas Department of Agriculture monitors and regulates invasive species for the state of Kansas. As state entomologist, I lead the entomology component of the program, which includes conducting insect surveys and raising public awareness of these pests. Last year, the European spongy moth, Lymantria dispar dispar, was detected in Johnson County, Kansas and prompted a delimiting survey to evaluate the extent of the moth’s presence. I discuss the efforts behind this survey and the USDA-APHIS collaboration that took place. Additional projects involving invasive species will be shared, such as biocontrol efforts against emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), surveys for Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) and brown marmorated stinkbug (Halyomorpha halys), and the department’s current response plan for the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula).