Noxious and Invasive Plants

Noxious and invasive plants are those species that cause severe economic, environmental or medical damage. Noxious plants have a special legal designation, which allows federal and state governments to regulate them. Many noxious plants cause medical damage to humans, wildlife or livestock. Invasive species are imported, non-indigenous plants that cause harm to the environment into which they are introduced and are defined by their impact on human health, the environment or the economy. Canada thistle, perennial sow thistle, Japanese knotweed and garlic mustard are common names of just a few of the invasive plants in Alaska.

Invasive Weeds Awareness Week

Alaskans from across the state will participate in Invasive Weeds Awareness Week from July 14-20, 2003. The week will feature educational programs in several communities as well as volunteer weed pulling events. Participation in weed pulling increases community awareness as well as providing management of threatening weed infestations.

Integrated Pest Management Outreach, Programs and Specialties

During the summer and fall, there are many educational programs throughout the state, including at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer.

Integrated Pest Management Purpose and Background

The IPM program offers nonbiased, research-based information, this resource is widely used by residents across the state. In the 2002 season, approximately 10,000 people had direct contact with IPM staff. The program has provided educational outreach in Alaska since 1981.

Services Provided

• Evaluation of plant disorders
• Identification of insect, plant and disease specimens
• Recommendation of IPM control options to reduce pest problems
• Site visits to examine tree disorders in the field
• Researching information about various pests, controls and pesticides

More Pest Related Publications are available at the UAF Cooperative Extension Service

The images in this feature story are copyrighted and should not be downloaded without permission. High-resolution images are available upon request. Contact Roxanne Creamer, Information Office, at fnrmc@uaf.edu or (907) 474-5406.

Note to editors: A high resolution photo of an aphid is available at:
http://www.uaf.edu/news/download/releasephotos/IPM/

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For more information:

Cooperative Extension Service IPM Program:
http://www.uaf.edu/coop-ext/ipm/

Cooperative Extension Service:
http://www.uaf.edu/coop-ext/

USDA, United States Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/spf/fhp/

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service:
http://www.reeusda.gov/

CNIPM (Committee for Noxious and Invasive Plants Management in Alaska):
http://www.cnipm.org/

AKEPIC (Alaska Exotic Plants Information Clearinghouse):
http://agdc.usgs.gov/akepic/

Extension Alaska Pest Management Center:
http://www.alaskapestmanagement.com/

State of Alaska, Division of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/forestry/

Spruce Bark Beetle Poster:
http://www.uaf.edu/coop-ext/ipm/

The 4th National IPM Symposium:
http://cipm.ncsu.edu/symposium/

Animal, Plant and Health Inspection Service:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/

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