The highest priority for study at this time involves the impending introduction of the Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). Due to limited resources, management activities often need to be deployed differentially to reduce EAB-induced impacts in high-value areas and unique ecosystems. Basket-quality black ash stands are an example of an under-studied, unique ecosystem with high-value […]
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The productivity of forest trees has traditionally been measured by the increase in their trunk wood over time. The result is a near universal trend of decreasing productivity that begins somewhat before the midpoint of a tree’s expected lifespan and becomes stronger as the tree enters an old-growth life-stage. This trend is used by forest […]
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Maine’s forests have reached a stage of unprecedented importance to the state’s residents, but are also experiencing natural (climate change, introduced pests) and anthropogenic (harvesting, air pollution) stresses with no historical precedent. These forests cannot simply be exploited economically for forest products without serious reductions in their ability to sustain all the values society has […]
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Recent advances in computer technology, forest data, and remote sensing have enhanced the ability to make both short- and long-term projections of future forest conditions. These computer-simulation tools allow both researchers and natural resource professionals to evaluate alternative forest-management strategies, test the sensitivity of the system to various factors, and conduct financial assessments. However, these […]
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The desire to understand and anticipate the effects of climate change on ecological communities is a regional, national, and global research priority. The regional effects of climate change have the potential to strongly degrade freshwater ecosystems and the cultural, economic, and social services (e.g., fisheries) they provide the people of Maine. Changes in weather patterns […]
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The lowbush blueberry industry in Maine has a significant share of the blueberry market. Over the last decade the industry has come under pressure to decrease inputs, such as fungicides, that may affect the environment. Yet at the same time, the number of fungal diseases affecting the crop has increased. Development of effective integrated pest […]
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Maine has 575 wild blueberry growers who produce an average of 80 million pounds per year. Maine produces 15 percent of the North American blueberry crop and 40 percent of the wild blueberry crop. Because weed and disease issues continue to evolve research is needed to develop the tools our wild blueberry growers need to […]
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Invasive plants and animals currently make up more than 30% of Maine’s flora and an unknown, but increasingly growing percentage of Maine’s fauna. While these species are most apparent along roadsides and in many natural areas, they also are abundant in agricultural fields. Two such species have recently found their way into the Maine blueberry […]
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The spotted wing drosophila (SWD) has created an emergency approach to insect pest control that is reactive and not necessarily a least-toxic strategy. This research should result in a better monitoring procedure for the adult flies, an action threshold, and better knowledge of SWD trivial movement within and between blueberry fields and least toxic strategies […]
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Pollination is critical to one of Maine’s most important crops, wild blueberry. Almost 80,000 honey bee colonies are brought into Maine each year for pollination. In addition to honey bees, native bees are extremely important to pollination of wild blueberry. Almost 30% of wild blueberry flowers are pollinated by native bees. Because of the importance […]
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