Provide immediate survey of the state to address the emergent pest a. Biguttula

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded Mississippi State University a $154,000 cooperative agreement on July 1, 2026, to conduct a statewide survey of Antestiopsis biguttula, an emergent pest currently identified in three Mississippi counties as of September 11, 2025.

The survey will establish at least two monitoring sites per county across Mississippi's 82 counties, generating approximately 164 samples monthly. Work begins with desktop analysis using Google Earth and iNaturalist data to identify potential survey locations based on host plant distribution and site accessibility, then proceeds to field deployment where trappers will establish sticky-card monitoring stations, document and photograph vegetation within a one-yard perimeter of each card, record visible plant damage with measurements, and collect samples for DNA analysis. Deliverables include an updated database file shared with researchers working on plant diseases, plant data compiled in Excel format for future research use, a final written report, maps showing all survey data, and publication of findings following project completion.

The award funds population genetic studies to inform understanding of pest introduction pathways and transportation routes, supporting state regulatory guidance and control strategy development for commodity and specialty crop producers. The recipient, Mississippi State University, will perform work in Starkville, Mississippi, with a period of performance through June 30, 2027.

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to provide immediate survey of the state to address the emergent pest a. Biguttula. Currently identified in three counties (as of 9/11/25), IT is imperative that a full state survey be conducted to determine the exact location and density of the pest. This effort will generate critical baseline data to understand the pest's current presence, spread, quantify its impacts, and inform management strategies that protect both commodity and specialty crop producers in mississippi.

Activities

The survey preparation will be started using google earth to look at potential locations and access ease of access and safety for all trappers. Inaturalist will be used to look for host plants and potential host plants across the state. These two data sets will be merged to determine the best possible locations across the state, with the goal of having at least 2 sites per county across the state. Mississippi has 82 counties, 2 sites per county will generate 164 samples per month. Once these potential locations are determined, trappers will travel to each area, establish each site and record and image all potential host vege tation in that site location (1 yard perimeter around the placed sticky card). Any visible plant damage will be noted and measured, and samples taken for future DNA research. Deliverables and expected outcomes: updated data base files will be shared with anyone working on plant diseases. All plant data will be uploaded into an excel file for use for future research. Final report will be compiled and written; maps will be provided showing all data; all information will be published following the close of the project. Intended beneficiary(IES): using DNA for population genetic studies will allow for future research into understanding pest introductions and transportation routes for the pest, helping to inform the state regarding regulation guidance and control methods. Mississippi's timber industry. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: N/a