This project highlights one component of a broader portfolio of center-funded research initiatives focused on developing novel approaches to complex scientific challenges.

Projects supported by the CENTERE in 2025-2026 provided 1) the necessary framework to expand known distribution and species richness of turfgrass-infesting weevils in North Carolina and 2) extensive tracking and distribution maps for three primary insect turfgrass pests across the state. Through short-read sequencing and examination of museum specimens, we determined that weevils previously identified as Listronotus anthracinus are genetically and morphologically identical to Listronotus maculicollis (annual bluegrass weevil). Diagnostic keys separating both species and used to identify them in the field are therefore incorrect and should be updated to avoid significant management impacts such as incorrect application timing or product selection. However, newly recovered, genetically distinct Listronotus species from turfgrass samples (described in previous CENTERE proposal) have yet to be described or identified in this system. Next steps include a taxonomic audit of type specimens to verify morphological characteristics (external features) align with new genetic findings, both sinking the synonymous junior species (L. anthracinus) and confirming the new species. Once confirmed, we will examine damage potential and pyrethroid susceptibility of Listronotus spp. and develop species-specific management plans to be implemented at geographically-distinct sites.

Additionally, significant progress was made on the 2024-2025 CENTERE drone fairway scanning project and has made substantial steps towards commercialization. Gram Grant (MS) created and trained a computer vision model to use NIR imaging and surface reflectance values to capture weevil distribution in the turfgrass canopy. Drone flights surveyed entire fairways (tested up to 10,000m 2 ) and output included “heatmaps” (Fig. 1) visualizing adult distribution. An invention disclosure was filed with NC State University Office of Research Commercialization (NCSU Ref. No. 2026-127) to evaluate potential to create a product or service from this technology and make it available to superintendents. An essential next step is to determine if adult nocturnal surface activity in the canopy is an accurate characterization of weevil populations in the soil profile. Final steps for this research project include validation of drone flight as a comparable sampling method to the standard soap flushing technique.

Since 2022, CENTERE funding has made possible real-time insect pest tracking maps for the state, focusing on black cutworms, fall armyworms and Japanese beetle adults. Pheromone and sticky traps were checked weekly from March-October each year at 12 different NC locations. Pest distribution maps and historical trapping data pages were added to NC Turf Bugs for user accessibility. In 2024, we also created an “Interactive Fall Armyworm Map” where users contributed locations, site information, damage description and management recommendations to a live distribution map. In Spring 2026, we added an “Annual Bluegrass Weevil Map” with individual soap flush adult counts listed by location and county for each week of weevil season (Fig. 2). Vandalism and key cooperator/collaborator retirements at several sites have limited the project’s long-term continuity. We will, however, analyze collected data from 2022-2025 to develop infographics and identify trends that strengthen management recommendations.