GeoResources Institute Hosts Meeting of Cactus Moth Researchers

January 20, 2005

The GeoResources Institute hosted a recent meeting of researchers and resource management personnel from federal and state government agencies and universities. Government agencies represented included US Department of Agriculture, US Geological Survey Biological Resources Discipline, and MS Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Mississippi State University is playing a key role in the national effort to locate, track, and manage the invasive cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum), which threatens prickly pear cactus populations in the United States and Mexico if it continues to spread. Dr. Richard Brown of the Mississippi Entomological Museum will verify insect identification from throughout the country, and the GeoResources Institute will aid in mapping cactus locations, maintaining a national georeferenced database of cactus and cactus moth occurrences and activities, and assist with thee training of volunteers and cooperators. The GRI's activities are funded through a grant from the US Geological Survey.

For more information, contract Dr. John Madsen at jmadsen@gri.msstate.edu.