Indiana

Scrub Hub: The spongy moth is ‘devastating’ forests across U.S. and it’s coming to Indiana

Published

2 years ago

September 19, 2022

Scrub Hub: The spongy moth is ‘devastating’ forests across U.S. and it’s coming to Indiana

I don’t find out about you, however one thing with spongy within the identify doesn’t actually indicate hazard. Possibly gentle and squishy, however actually not “probably the most severe forest defoliator in the USA.”

Regardless of the identify, the spongy moth has pure assets consultants throughout Indiana and the area shaking of their boots.

If the identify is just not acquainted, that’s as a result of the pest not too long ago acquired a brand new moniker. Beforehand referred to as the gypsy moth, the Entomological Society of America modified the identify to take away the derogatory time period for the Romani folks.

Though the identify is new, these moths have been within the U.S. for a very long time. Nonetheless, they aren’t native to the nation. They’re initially from Europe and had been by chance launched in Massachusetts in 1869. Since then, they’ve unfold steadily westward.

State officers and bug consultants try to maintain them from spreading even additional.

For this subsequent version of the Scrub Hub, we’re some key questions concerning the spongy moth: What makes them so dangerous? And what can Hoosiers do about them?

To reply these questions, we spoke with an skilled from the state’s Division of Pure Assets to study extra about invasive pest and efforts to cease them.

Quick reply: Why are spongy moths so dangerous?

The spongy moth landed in Steuben County — the northeast nook of the state the place Indiana abuts Michigan and Ohio — in 1998. Since then, it has unfold to most northern counties and even additional south within the northeastern a part of the state.

There are presently 9 counties in Indiana are underneath quarantine for spongy moth, which means the pest is established in that space. There are two different counties, Lake and Whitley, which can be being added to that record.

Wherever these bugs are, they’re “probably the most severe forest defoliator in the USA,” based on Purdue College. Indiana’s DNR agrees, calling the spongy moth considered one of “probably the most devastating invasive forest pests” in North America.

Simply final 12 months, the spongy moth defoliated over 9 million acres of forest within the nation, Purdue mentioned. Almost a million of these acres was in Michigan alone, the place the moth has a robust presence.

It’s truly the caterpillar stage of the moth that’s identified for its voracious and dangerous urge for food.

The spongy moth caterpillar feeds on over 500 totally different species of bushes and shrubs, mentioned Kristy Stultz, a nursery inspector and compliance officer with DNR’s Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology. She mentioned that make it “simple for it to discover a good meals supply.”

Oak leaves are their most well-liked meals, however the caterpillars additionally likes poplar, birch, apple, spruce and pine bushes. Whereas most bushes will produce new leaves after defoliation, repeated snacking may cause some severe points.

Annual defoliation may cause quite a lot of stress on deciduous species, which might result in a tree’s demise in two to 4 years. A single incident can kill evergreen species, Stultz mentioned.

Lengthy reply: How do they unfold and the way do I do away with them?

Grownup feminine spongy moths within the U.S. can’t fly, so unfold typically happens by different means. Younger caterpillars, for instance, can crawl to treetops and are blown by the wind.

One of many principal methods, nevertheless, the moth strikes out of what’s thought-about infested areas is thru human motion — unknowingly growing the speed of unfold.

The feminine will lay egg plenty on nearly any floor that provides some safety, and the eggs will be troublesome to search out even when on the lookout for them. It’s then very simple for an individual transferring a camper, outside play tools and even only a automobile from northern Indiana to an space the place the moth doesn’t but happen.

Egg plenty can comprise anyplace from 500 to 1,000 eggs, Stultz mentioned, “so it doesn’t take so much to create a brand new inhabitants in areas the place it doesn’t presently happen.”

The final time an Indiana county was added to the state’s quarantine record was in 2011, “so we have now been very efficient at managing this pest,” Stultz mentioned. The state entomologist makes use of trapping knowledge and different info to find out if and when an space can be added.

There are various things the state has completed to assist sluggish or management the unfold of the spongy moth, and the therapy choices depend upon issues like the placement and extent of the inhabitants.

If it’s a localized defoliation or egg mass, spraying these bushes with horticultural oil could also be an choice. If the inhabitants is past that and identified to be established, Stultz mentioned an aerial software of what’s referred to as Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki may fit finest. Generally known as Btk, it’s thought-about non-toxic to crops and animals apart from very particular bugs.

Invasive species: What’s in a reputation? Asian carp get a brand new, extra palatable identify: Copi

Stultz mentioned an alternative choice is what’s often known as mating disruption. That’s additionally achieved by way of an aerial software, this time of a pheromone that makes it practically unattainable for women and men to search out one another to mate.

The state depends closely on an in depth trapping program to find and monitor populations and to find out when and the place to do administration for spongy moth.

Along with state efforts, there’s a lot that Hoosiers can do to assist cease the unfold.

Step one is having the ability to establish them of their varied life levels.

August is the time of 12 months when grownup moths are mating and laying their eggs, earlier than they die on the finish of the season. These eggs don’t hatch till the next spring between late April and early Might.

The caterpillar stage often lasts for about seven weeks earlier than going into its cocoon. Adults sometimes emerge in July to proceed the cycle.

Provided that timeline, “now is a superb time to be looking out for” spongy moth egg plenty, Stultz mentioned. The plenty will be discovered overwinter till caterpillars hatch within the early spring.

Be looking out for a mass that’s lined with tan or buff-colored hairs. If the eggs are discovered, they are often scraped off right into a bucket of soapy water and left to soak for a few days earlier than being discarded, based on Stultz.

A key factor for Hoosiers is to pay attention to these pests and know the place the populations are so acceptable precautions will be taken. Stultz encourages folks to examine their tools, campers and automobiles if they’re touring to make sure they aren’t giving a experience to moth eggs that could be hitch-hiking.

And “in case you are anyplace within the state, and you’ve got defoliation brought on by spongy moth caterpillars, DNR needs to know,” Stultz mentioned. That is very true if Hoosiers are exterior of a quarantined county and imagine that they’ve spongy moth.

All experiences can go to DEPP@dnr.IN.gov or will be made by calling 1-866-NO-EXOTIC. Folks reporting ought to be certain to offer their identify, contact info, location and what they’re reporting — all this helps guarantee experiences get to the closest DNR inspector to allow them to be dealt with in a well timed method.

When you’ve got extra questions on spongy moth, different pesky dangerous pests which can be inflicting issues in Indiana, or some other matters, tell us!

You’ll be able to ask us by submitting a query by way of our Google type beneath. Can’t see the shape? Click on right here.

Name IndyStar reporter Sarah Bowman at 317-444-6129 or e mail at sarah.bowman@indystar.com. Comply with her on Twitter and Fb: @IndyStarSarah. Join with IndyStar’s environmental reporters: Be a part of The Scrub on Fb.

IndyStar’s environmental reporting undertaking is made potential by way of the beneficiant help of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Belief.

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Indiana

How To Watch Indiana Against Providence in Battle 4 Atlantis 7th-Place Game

Published

5 hours ago

November 29, 2024

Press Room

How To Watch Indiana Against Providence in Battle 4 Atlantis 7th-Place Game

PARADISE ISLAND, The Bahamas – Indiana and Providence have one last chance to salvage a win Friday in the Battle 4 Atlantis seventh-place game. The loser will head home as the member of the eight-team tournament to go winless in the three-game stretch.

Indiana entered the tournament with a 4-0 record and ranked No. 14 in the nation, but it suffered an 89-61 loss to Louisville Wednesday and an 89-73 loss to Gonzaga Thursday. Providence had a 5-0 record before losing 79-77 to Oklahoma and 69-58 to Davidson.

*** LIVE BLOG:Once the game starts, CLICK HERE to read our live blog written by Jack Ankony, including live updates, highlights and thoughts on the game.

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Projected score: Indiana 72, Providence 67. Torvik gives the Hoosiers a 68% chance of victory.

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Gonzaga responds to loss with emphatic Thanksgiving Day win over Indiana: 3 takeaways

Published

12 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Press Room

Gonzaga responds to loss with emphatic Thanksgiving Day win over Indiana: 3 takeaways

How does a team shake off its first loss of the season while facing a top-15 program that also has a lot to prove following its first defeat?

Ask Gonzaga men’s basketball head coach Mark Few — he and his coaching staff appeared to have all the answers to guide the Bulldogs to an 89-73 victory over No. 14 Indiana on Thursday to advance to the Battle 4 Atlantis fifth-place game.

The Zags (5-1) didn’t waste any time putting their overtime defeat to West Virginia behind them, as they jumped out to an 8-0 lead over the Hoosiers (4-2) in the first couple of minutes before taking a double-digit lead into halftime. Oumar Ballo kept Indiana in the fight early on to make it a 1-point game nearing the 9-minute mark in the first half, yet despite the former Zag’s efforts, Gonzaga capitalized on second-chance opportunities and transition points to go on a 21-2 scoring run, highlighted by an alley-oop dunk from Khalif Battle. The sixth-year guard led his team with 16 points and grabbed five rebounds, while five of his teammates scored in double figures, thanks in large part to Ryan Nembhard’s 13 assists.

With the win, Gonzaga will play the winner of Providence/Davidson in the fifth place on Friday at 5:30 p.m. PST/8:30 p.m. EST.

Here are three takeaways from the victory.

BULLDOGS IMPOSE THEIR WILL DOWN LOW

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Khalif Battle (99) celebrates with Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Ben Gregg (33) after scoring during the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Imperial Arena at the Atlantis resort. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Braden Huff noted the Bulldogs didn’t have much of a presence in the paint in their loss to the Mountaineers. The Zags went a season-worst 19-of-44 (43.2%) from inside the arc and never established themselves on the low block, instead settling for 3-pointers when their first action didn’t lead to a score from 5 feet out.

Ballo and 6-foot-9 forward Mackenzie Mgbako posed a different kind of challenge, though, despite a hot start from Ballo, who scored 17 of his team’s first 31 points, Gonzaga’s bigs controlled the interior and the boards in totality. The Zags outrebounded the Hoosiers, 42-27, and outscored their opposition, 23-4, in second-chance points.

“Our bigs did a good job,” Few said after the game. “That’s the first team we played that’s kind of like us — likes to throw the ball inside a lot, really ducks in and really puts a lot of foul pressure on you. We were in massive foul trouble in the first half. Got in even more trouble in the second half. But they kept playing. They kept repeating and moving them in and out of there, and they were able to stay in the game.”

Ballo gave the Hoosiers a much-needed spark after they fell into an 8-0 hole. The 7-foot-tall, 237-pound redshirt senior nailed a few right-handed hook shots to put his team in position to compete with the No. 3-ranked team in the country. Ballo led all scorers with 25 points.

“Clearly he’s gotten a lot better,” Few said of Ballo. “I mean that was what six years ago [when Ballo arrived to Gonzaga as a freshman]? He’s older, he’s gotten in great shape. I’m happy for him. That right-handed hook was going tonight but we were OK with that. We just didn’t want him to get a whole lot of stuff between us and the basket.”

Michael Ajayi had his best game as a Zag, recording 15 points and nine rebounds on 5-of-9 from the field, while Ike finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. Ben Gregg added 13 points off the bench and held down the center spot while Ike and Huff had to sit on the bench due to foul trouble in the second half.

AN EMPHATIC RESPONSE

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Khalif Battle (99) celebrates with Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Ryan Nembhard (0) after scoring during the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Imperial Arena at the Atlantis resort. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Gonzaga’s players looked ready to flush away the dramatic loss to WVU the moment they stepped off the floor Wednesday. Having a short memory is somewhat necessary when playing three games in as many days, regardless of the final score. Safe to say the Bulldogs embraced that mentality heading into Thursday’s consolation game.

“There’s a lot you say in a 24-hour period like that,” Few said in regard to how he addressed his team in wake of their loss to WVU. “We talked about how in a game like the other night, comes down to one or two possessions, we’ve got to be able to execute, especially on defense. I didn’t feel like we played very good ‘D’ last night.”

The Zags flipped the script on that end of the floor against the Hoosiers. While Ballo was rolling down low, his teammates weren’t creating much on offense from the perimeter. Indiana’s starting backcourt of Myles Rice and Kanaan Carlyle combined for 12 points on 4-of-14 from the field. Malik Reneau, who led the way with 21 points against the Cardinals, put up a goose egg in the first half before ending the night with a quiet six points in 24 minutes of action.

ONTO PROVIDENCE/DAVIDSON

Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few reacts during the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Imperial Arena at the Atlantis resort. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Zags can enjoy the rest of their Thanksgiving holiday while they await their opponent for tomorrow’s fifth-place game at 5:30 p.m. PST. Gonzaga will face the winner of Providence (5-1) vs. Davidson (4-1) to conclude its trip in The Bahamas.

The Friars nearly completed a wild comeback against Oklahoma in the final minutes of their quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday. The Sooners led by nine points with 44 seconds left but missed free throws and a traveling violation made it a 2-point game in the final seconds. Wesley Cardet Jr. had 17 points, Jayden Pierre and Bensley Joseph 16 each and Corey Floyd Jr. put up 13 for Providence.

The Wildcats got blown out, 104-71, by No. 24 Arizona on Wednesday. Connor Kochera tallied 20 points and Bobby Durbin nailed five 3s for Davidson, which went 38% from the field.

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Indiana

How to watch Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Indiana Hoosiers: TV channel, live stream for Battle 4 Atlantis game

Published

20 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Press Room

How to watch Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Indiana Hoosiers: TV channel, live stream for Battle 4 Atlantis game

A pair of AP Top 25 teams look to bounce back from their first letdowns of the season on Thursday when No. 3 Gonzaga takes on No. 14 Indiana in the Battle 4 Atlantis event from The Bahamas.

The Bulldogs (5-1) were less than 30 seconds away from advancing to the semifinal round before West Virginia mounted a swift comeback in the final seconds behind Tucker DeVries, who sunk two free throws in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime. The Mountaineers held the Zags to 2-of-10 from the field in the extra period to come away victorious, 84-78, over the No. 3-ranked program in the country. Gonzaga also led by eight points at halftime and by double-digits at the 18:35 mark in the second half.

Braden Huff’s 19 points led his team, followed by Khalif Battle with 16 points. Javon Small scored a season-high 31 points for West Virginia, which went 14-of-28 (50.0%) from the field in the second half.

The Hoosiers (4-1) are looking to rebound from Wednesday’s 89-61 loss to Louisville in their Battle 4 Atlantis opener on Wednesday. Malik Reneau led Indiana with 21 points while former Zag Oumar Ballo recorded 11 points and six rebounds.

The Bulldogs and Hoosiers have met four times before, all at neutral sites, with the series split at 2-2. The two last met in the 2008 Hartford Classic in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the Zags came out on top, 70-54.

The winner of Thursday’s game plays at noon PST on Friday in the third-place game. Loser plays at 8 a.m. PST in the seventh-place game.