Invasive Swallowworts to be topic at upcoming presentation

On Thursday, April 19 at 7 p.m., Professor Antonio (Toni) DiTommaso will present “The Invasive Swallow-worts: What has been learned and how serious is their threat to natural areas?” The presentation will take place at the Hubbard Auditorium in the Tioga County Building located at 56 Main St. in Owego. 

In this presentation, DiTommaso will summarize current understanding of the biology and ecology of the invasive nonnative perennial vines, pale swallowwort (Vincetoxicum rossicum) and black swallowwort (Vincetoxicum nigrum). Management options will also be discussed as will the threat they pose to natural areas and native plant species.

For more than 18 years, DiTommaso has taught courses and performed research in the area of weed biology / ecology, biological weed control, and integrated weed management at Cornell University. 

DiTommaso has received numerous teaching and advising awards and is currently the Richard C. Call Director of the Agricultural Sciences undergraduate major, a multi-disciplinary and multi-departmental major that includes more than 100 students. His research is performed in both cropping systems and natural and semi-natural habitats. 

He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles and is a recognized authority on the invasive swallowworts. DiTommaso has served in numerous scientific society leadership positions, including as President of the Northeastern Weed Science Society (NEWSS) in 2012-13. He is currently editor of the scientific journal Invasive Plant Science and Management published by Cambridge University Press.

The Sierra Club Tioga County Task Force and Cornell Cooperative Extension Tioga sponsor this event. For additional information, contact Erin Riddle by text or phone at (607) 372-5503, or email to riddleriddle@gmail.com.