Larva of the Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia psuedotsugata, on white fir. Courtesy photo from bugwood.org, by Donald Owen, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The Biopesticides Program serves as an up-to-date information source on biopesticides, biologically based products such as semiochemicals and microbial agents, used by State and Private Forestry staffs, nationwide, for short-term control of invasive species.

Increase awareness on the use of biopesticides
Form partnerships and coordinate the development and implementation of biopesticides

Native insects and pathogens are an important part of a healthy forest ecosystem, but when environmental and biological conditions favor their development into outbreak status they can cause significant losses to forests. Several of these insects and pathogens, such as bark beetles and root diseases, have had extensive impacts forests in western and southern forests. Forest Health Protection along with state, Federal and Tribal partners survey, monitor and manage infestations of these native pest outbreaks.

Native Forest Insects
Native Forest Pathogens
Abiotic Forest Damage

An invasive species is an alien [non-native] species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health (Executive Order 13112). Species invasions are one of the main ecological consequences of global changes in climate and land use. Most invasions over the past several centuries have involved species transported directly or indirectly by humans. Forest Health Protection will continue to work very closely with its partners to manage native and non-native pests and reduce the flow of non-native invasive forest pests into the U.S. Forest Health Protection's vision is that the Forest Service will maintain a robust program that protects the nation's forests from extraordinary levels of damage from both native and non-native invasive insects, pathogens, and plants through the continued implementation of an integrated system of prevention, eradication, management, and restoration.

Invasive Forest Insects
Invasive Forest Pathogens
Invasive Plants

Forest Health Protection works in coordination with the USDA Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP) and others to develop, promote, and implement integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. IPM employs a variety of chemical, cultural, mechanical, and biological techniques and tools to prevent, detect, and thwart forestry pests, such as invasive weeds, insects and pathogens.

Pesticide Management
Biological Control
Biopesticides

Forest Health Monitoring is a national program designed to determine the status, changes and trends in indicators of forest health on an annual basis. This program collects information from a wide variety of sources including ground surveys, aerial detection and remote sensing. Forest Health Monitoring data is utilized by researchers who use it in detailed investigations into specific issues, by managers who develop strategies to deal with forest health issues, and by the public at large in order to better understand the processes that drive these natural systems. Forest Health Monitoring provides an updated synopsis of the state of our nation's forested lands, and serves as the repository of records regarding forest condition over time.

Forest Health Monitoring
Forest Health Monitoring Publications
Annual National Forest Health Monitoring Reports
Forest Health Highlights
Forest Health Monitoring Contacts

Populus tremuloides is a deciduous tree native to cooler areas of North America, one of several species referred to by the common name aspen. It is commonly called quaking aspen,[2][3][4] trembling aspen,[2][3] American aspen,[3] mountain or golden aspen,[5] trembling poplar,[5] white poplar,[5] and popple,[5] as well as others.[5] The trees have tall trunks, up to 25 metres (82 feet) tall, with smooth pale bark, scarred with black. The glossy green leaves, dull beneath, become golden to yellow, rarely red, in autumn. The species often propagates through its roots to form large clonal groves originating from a shared root system. These roots are not rhizomes, as new growth develops from adventitious buds on the parent root system (the ortet).

Light- Bright, indirect lighting is used.

Water- When the soil is almost entirely dry at the top, water it.

Pet friendly- Yes.

Parent level- Beginner to the intermediate plant parent level.

Pro tip- Wipe away any dust that has gathered on the leaves.

Light: Shine a bright light on this one, but not direct sunlight.

Water: Water it once or twice a week (yellow leaves = don't water it). Before watering, allow the soil to dry on top.

Pet friendly- No. If eaten, it is poisonous to both pets and humans.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- Cut a small notch in the node where the leaf came off if you desire new leaf growth after it has fallen off.

Light- It prefers bright, indirect lighting. Leaves and flowers can be damaged by too much direct light.

Water- Keep the soil wet with water. Allow the soil to dry out further over the winter months before watering.

Pet friendly- No. Fido and felines are both poisoned by this plant.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- For best results, rotate the plant regularly.

Light- Except for direct sunlight, this plant prefers all types of illumination.

Water- Keep the soil moist yet allow sufficient drainage for the plant. It doesn't like to drink a lot of water.

Pet friendly- Yes.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- Overwatering is the bamboo palm's death knell. It despises wet soil. The bamboo palm is an excellent choice if you have a history of ignoring plants.