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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Invasive Species and Pollinator Health » Research » Research Project #429400

Research Project: Mapping and Prioritization of Sites for Biological and Integrated Control of Arundo in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

Location: Invasive Species and Pollinator Health

Project Number: 2030-22000-029-010-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 1, 2015
End Date: Aug 31, 2020

Objective:
1) To select sites for biological control of arundo (Arundo donax) through mapping of arundo populations throughout the Delta, and prioritization of sites based on site characteristics, use of other control methods, and landowner objectives. 2) To facilitate releases of biological control agents on arundo and follow-up monitoring by providing contacts with landowners and, and by coordinating biocontrol releases with other control projects.

Approach:
Arundo populations will be mapped using visual inspection of satellite images, and at least 10% of the infested area will be ground-truthed using land- and water-based visual inspection and plotting. Maps showing the total area infested with arundo in the Delta will be generated. The maps will be overlaid on land ownership boundaries to identify landowners to contact for permission to initiate integrated control. The Cooperator will meet with ARS to determine site characteristics for biocontrol releases, and will then identify sites at which biocontrol can and cannot be used. The Cooperator will provide critical landowner contacts and other information to assist in site selection. ARS will release two insects, the arundo wasp Tetramesa romana, and the arundo armored scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis. The Cooperator will facilitate site access and provide information on their chemical and mechanical arundo control activities. Additional Approach for Amendment 2 includes: New funds will be used towards biological monitoring, including sub-contract for rare plant surveys and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy staff time to conduct bird surveys as needed, and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy staff time in continuing to identify new sites focusing on the South Delta.