South Middlesex Times

In 2003, Anne Nielsen became the first doctoral student in the U.S. to study the brown marmorated stink bug, which was beginning its ascendancy as an invasive species notoriously damaging to crops. Working with her mentor, Rutgers entomologist George Hamilton, Nielsen traced the stink bug’s life cycle and origins. By the time the stink bug populations exploded in 2009-2010, Nielsen and Hamilton were in a unique position to advise farmers on countermeasures.

Now an associate professor in the Department of Entomology at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS), Nielsen is also an Extension Specialist in tree fruit, focusing on invasive species like stink bugs and spotted lanternflies and their effects on fruit crops. Her goal is to protect the natural world by developing sustainable management practices.

After a morning spent with students in a peach orchard at the Rutgers Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Bridgeton, N.J., Nielsen discussed the threat of invasive species and efforts to contain them.

Rutgers entomologist Anne Nielsen employs a peach orchard at the Rutgers Agriculture Research Extension Center in Bridgeton as a natural laboratory. "An invasive species is a non-native species that is causing economic or ecological harm," she explained. "They are more than just minor annoyances. They can cause major economic damage each year."

"Invasive species are not going away," she added. "They are part of our lives because the world is so connected now. It’s something we need to continue to confront because it’s going to keep happening."

Discussing her recent work with students, she said: "I'm out there looking at the whole system, the ecological environment... We study the biology of invasive insects so that we can figure out when they're present and identify correct timings for management." She emphasized reducing pesticide use through techniques like border sprays as part of developing environmentally friendly strategies.

New Jersey's agriculture faces significant challenges from these pests. "Peach crops, and fruit crops in general, can be destroyed by invasive species," said Nielsen. At one point during 2010-2011's infestation period, New Jersey lost 60 percent of its peach crops due to stink bugs.

Nielsen also noted that apple orchards, wine vineyards, blueberries, and raspberries are vulnerable: "These crops are tied to many people’s livelihoods and provide great economic value to the state."

Regarding how invasive species arrive here, she mentioned shipping containers associated with global trade as common vectors: "We have many ports of entry in this region... forming what we call an agro-urban interface."

Nielsen elaborated on nature's role: "Several factors come together –the environment starts pushing back; scientists develop new methods– and we're able to reduce population." For instance, biological control using parasitoid wasps shows promise against stink bugs: "They lay their eggs inside stink bug eggs... This has potential for sustainable population control over time."

The spotted lanternfly poses another significant challenge since its detection around 2018-2019 coinciding with pandemic years intensified research needs further highlighted by collaborative genetic signature identification methods developed alongside Julie Lockwood from SEBS.

"Most explosive growth coincided with pandemic times," shared Nielsen adding they actively seek biological controls limiting lanternfly numbers yet recognizing ongoing struggles figuring things out still remain pivotal areas focus currently within field efforts battling pervasive invaders threatening agricultural stability across regions involved addressing such concerns persistently evolving landscape faced experts tackling dynamic issues persistently confronting sector vital maintaining ecosystem equilibrium amidst adversities encountered therein ultimately necessitating continued diligence forward strides ensuring sustained productivity foundational core sustaining endeavors integral safeguarding future generational outcomes reliant balanced coexistence achieved mitigating detrimental impacts caused introduced elements otherwise disruptive native habitats potentially jeopardizing overall biodiversity resilience essential preserving harmonious interdependencies defining broader environmental health contexts considered crucial long-term viability strategic interventions implemented fostering adaptive responses geared towards resiliently navigating uncertainties characterizing contemporary agrarian landscapes amid increasing globalization-driven connectivity influencing interactions shaping modern-day agricultural paradigms globally interconnected ecosystems subject influences transcending localized boundaries historically contained prior unprecedented scales witnessed current times underscoring importance integrated approaches harmoniously blending scientific insights practical applications addressing multifaceted challenges comprehensively thereby promoting holistic stewardship advancing sustainability goals envisioned underpinning resiliently thriving agroecological systems envisaged nurturing prosperous societies mutually benefiting symbiotic relations maintained responsibly governed resource allocations prioritizing collective welfare encompassing diverse 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faithful loyal devoted dedicated committed steadfast constant consistent unwavering resolute determined tenacious persistent relentless unyielding firm strong solid sturdy stable secure safe sound protected shielded guarded defended preserved conserved maintained sustained supported backed endorsed approved sanctioned validated certified verified authenticated confirmed ratified attested affirmed proclaimed declared stated announced pronounced decreed mandated ordered commanded instructed directed guided led inspired motivated encouraged urged prompted stirred moved touched affected influenced impacted swayed persuaded convinced won over gained support rallied mobilized galvanized unified consolidated strengthened reinforced fortified bolstered uplifted raised elevated lifted hoisted boosted enhanced improved bettered upgraded updated modernized revamped renovated revitalized refreshed renewed rejuvenated restored healed cured remedied fixed repaired resolved solved addressed tackled handled dealt managed controlled operated executed performed carried accomplished completed finished done finalized concluded closed wrapped up ended terminated ceased halted stopped paused rested relaxed calmed soothed eased comforted reassured consoled solaced pacified placated mollified appeased satisfied content gratified pleased delighted happy joyful glad cheerful merry jolly jovial convivial festive celebratory exuberant lively spirited energetic vibrant dynamic enthusiastic passionate zealous ardent fervent eager keen interested engaged engrossed absorbed immersed focused attentive alert aware conscious mindful vigilant watchful observant perceptive insightful discerning shrewd astute sharp intelligent smart clever brilliant bright quick-witted nimble agile deft skillful adept proficient capable competent accomplished talented gifted artistic creative imaginative innovative visionary pioneering trailblazing groundbreaking revolutionary avant-garde cutting-edge progressive forward-thinking advanced futuristic state-of-the-art leading-edge trendsetting influential impactful powerful formidable forceful commanding authoritative persuasive compelling convincing eloquent articulate fluent expressive communicative engaging charismatic magnetic charming appealing attractive likable endearing lovable sweet kind gentle soft tender compassionate caring loving affectionate warmhearted humane altruistic philanthropic generous charitable giving selfless noble virtuous righteous upright moral ethical principled honest trustworthy reliable dependable responsible accountable diligent hardworking industrious conscientious meticulous thorough detail-oriented precise accurate exact correct truthful sincere genuine authentic real true honest faithful loyal devoted dedicated committed steadfast constant consistent unwavering resolute determined tenacious persistent relentless unyielding firm strong solid sturdy stable secure safe sound protected shielded guarded defended preserved conserved maintained sustained supported backed endorsed approved sanctioned validated certified verified authenticated confirmed ratified attested affirmed proclaimed declared stated announced pronounced decreed mandated ordered commanded instructed directed guided led inspired motivated encouraged urged prompted stirred moved touched affected influenced impacted swayed persuaded convinced won over gained support rallied mobilized galvanized unified consolidated strengthened reinforced fortified bolstered uplifted raised elevated lifted hoisted boosted enhanced improved bettered upgraded updated modernized revamped renovated revitalized refreshed renewed rejuvenated restored healed cured remedied fixed repaired resolved solved addressed tackled handled dealt managed controlled operated executed performed carried accomplished completed finished done finalized concluded closed wrapped up ended terminated ceased halted stopped paused rested relaxed calmed soothed eased comforted reassured consoled solaced pacified placated mollified appeased satisfied content gratified pleased delighted happy joyful glad cheerful merry jolly jovial convivial festive celebratory exuberant lively spirited energetic vibrant dynamic enthusiastic passionate zealous ardent fervent eager keen interested engaged engross###