Location: European Biological Control Laboratory
Project Number: 0212-22000-028-002-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 7, 2014
End Date: Aug 6, 2019
Objective:
The primary objective of the proposed project is to take a multidisciplinary approach to test the feasibility of using a biological control strategy in the management of Ventenata dubia (VeDu) in the western U.S. This objective will be accomplished by achieving these specific goals: 1) conduct exploration for biocontrol agents (e.g., insects, mites, fungal pathogens) in the native range of VeDu, including the georeferencing of all living material, 2) asses the introduction dynamics of VeDu in North America through the genetic analysis of native and invasive populations using enzyme electrophoresis (allozymes), 3) use multi-scale ecological mapping techniques to detail the current and predict the future distribution of VeDu in northwestern U.S., based on ecological, climatic and geographic data obtained during field studies, and existing databases, 4) create an interactive and easy-to-use website, and a free Smartphone app so that interested individuals can obtain information about the invasion of VeDu in the western U.S., including information for the accurate identification of the species, and 5) we will create a system for land owners, stakeholders and extension personnel to upload locality information to the website so that the geographic distribution of the grass can be continuously updated.
Approach:
Biological control is a long-term process that begins with field observations and
collections. This process also includes the testing of the collected material, and an assessment of various biological interactions (especially non-target effects).
Field collection: To achieve the specific goals of the project, we will have to visit a minimum of a dozen sites in each region (U.S., Eurasia and north Africa). Field exploration will be the main method for obtaining data on i) precise localities, ii) presence of potential natural enemies and damage, and iii) ecological data, such as enemy abundance, habitat condition, and threats to the native flora in the western U.S. Individual seed heads from a minimum of 25 plants will be collected in the field. Fully mature, disease-free seeds are required for this analysis. At each sampling location, for each population, herbarium voucher specimens will be collected. Each record will be accompanied by GPS coordinates, collection date (to assist with timing of future collections), and a description of the population (size and density), the plantcommunity, and the abiotic conditions at the site.
Mapping: Comparative climate analysis will be used to determine hygrometric and
temperature trends in the native range of the grass, and to identify areas with similar characteristics in the invaded range. Geographic maps at different spatial scales will be produced to direct foreign exploration for natural enemies, and predict the potential distribution of VeDu within the western U.S. states, and beyond.
Genetic analysis: An experimental approach that has proven successful in studying
invasive species includes the combined analysis of native and invasive populations
within the same experimental design. Experimental analyses of both native and
introduced populations can provide needed information to understand the invasion
process, and to manage and potentially control an invasive species. For instance,
such information can be used to determine whether the geographic distribution of an invasive in its new range stems from single or multiple introduction events, and
whether local or regional range expansion has occurred. In addition, the combined
analysis of native and introduced populations can be used to determine the
geographic origins of an invasive species. Accurate determination of an invasive
species’ source populations or regions can contribute to the successful search for
biocontrol agents. In fact, the identification of source populations may reduce the
economic cost of prospecting for agents, and may result in the development of more specific and effective biocontrol agents. In fact, the identification of source populations may reduce the economic cost of prospecting for agents, and may result in the development of more specific and effective biocontrol agents.
