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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Invasive Species and Pollinator Health » Research » Research Project #448426

Research Project: Quarantine and Field Nursery Establishment for New Biological Control Agents Against Flowering Rush

Location: Invasive Species and Pollinator Health

Project Number: 2030-22000-033-047-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: May 15, 2026
End Date: Sep 30, 2026

Objective:
To facilitate the establishment and implementation of a new biological control program against flowering rush, Cooperator will: 1) facilitate native range insect collections for importation into the U.S.; 2) provide rearing support and field testing for agent impacts to ensure successful program establishment and provide critical data required for U.S. permit applications.

Approach:
We will develop and maintain rearing populations for release (Bagous nodulosus) and rearing research (Phytoliriomyza ornata) in anticipation of U.S. approval for two agents against flowering rush. Additionally, we will perform impact testing in the field to better understand the interaction between these two agents.