Location: Invasive Plant Research Laboratory
Project Number: 6032-22000-013-147-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2025
End Date: Sep 30, 2030
Objective:
Mass rear biological control agents of invasive weeds prioritized by the South Florida Water Management District & U.S. Army Engineers and rapidly disperse these insects throughout the CERP (Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan) landscape.
Approach:
Biological control agents for use against invasive plants (e.g., Melaleuca, Lygodium, Schinus, Acacia, others as identified by the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Task Force) ) in the greater Everglades region will be mass reared and dispersed within the geographic footprint of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, with special emphasis placed in sites identified by the South Florida Water Management District. Release sites will be monitored for population persistence, insect migration, and plant damage. Methods for integrating these biological control agents with traditional herbicide, mechanical, and cultural (fire) controls will be explored.