Pests and Pathogens
PoPS can be used to forecast the spread of most pests or pathogens. PoPS has been used to model plant pests and diseases, and animal diseases. Use the links below to explore forecasts of some of the pests and pathogens that have been studied with PoPS.
Lycorma delicatula
Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) threatens US fruit and forest industries. It feeds on economically important plants, causing yield loss and even plant death. Early detection is critical to mitigating losses.
SLF is an invasive planthopper that is native to Asia. The pest was first detected in 2014 and today is present in 18 US states.
Helicoverpa zea
Corn Earworm can cause major damage to corn, soybeans, tomatoes, and cotton, with the potential to result in substantial yield losses and requiring costly insecticide applications.
Once earworm has become established within the corn ear, control is impossible.
Phytophthora ramorum
P. ramorum is an invasive fungal species that causes lethal cankers in some plant species and non-lethal foliar blight on many others.
Sudden Oak Death (SOD) has killed millions of trees in the western US. There is no treatment for P. ramorum . Early detection and prevention is the best way to protect our natural forests.