Biodiversity

Promoting mutually beneficial interactions among all living organisms on Earth

Our researchers are coordinating a wide spectrum of expertise to ensure diversity across the genes of individuals, entire populations of species, and the ecosystems in which they live. This research is helping to regenerate and preserve the complexity that Earth’s living organisms will need to adapt and withstand climate volatility, increased disease pressures, threats of invasive species, and changing land use patterns.

Conserving Vulnerable Populations

Adapting to Habitat Changes

Studying behavioral responses to learn how wildlife populations adapt to rapid changes in environmental conditions.

Enhancing Pollinator Survival

Improving the health of honey bees through the discovery of genetic traits for disease tolerance.

Conserving High-Value Trees

Improving pollinator habitats can help to rebuild valuable hardwood species.

Preserving Stream Ecosystems

Studying biodiversity loss in streams can help to preserve essential ecosystem functions.

Detecting and rapidly responding to biological invasions

Finding Natural Solutions

Enlisting the help of natural predators to curb the spread of harmful insects.

Preparing for Pests

Zeroing in on egg hatch timing can help control spotted lanternflies.

Assessing Economic Impact

Estimating potential damages and losses caused by the invasive spotted lanternfly

Rescuing Tree Species

Identifying defense-response genes in green ash trees to fight the invasive emerald ash borer

Controlling Stink Bugs

Using native parasitic samurai wasps to biologically control stink bugs

Preserving Regional Industries

Predicting the threat of the invasive round goby to the multi-million-dollar shellfish industry

Treating Wood Packaging

Energy-efficient treatment chamber may protect against destructive pests

Managing pests with effective and low-risk strategies

Slowing Pollinator Declines

Better indicators of toxicity for pollinators can help to focus conservation efforts

Reducing Pesticide Use

Diversified rotations of cropping systems can benefit both farmers and the environment

Conserving pollinator populations

Monitoring Bee Health

Inexpensive technique provides a way to identify unknown viruses in bee populations

Predicting Local Population Extinction

Bee dispersal ability may influence conservation measures

Office for Research and Graduate Education

Address

217 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802-2600