Location: Invasive Plant Research Laboratory
Project Number: 6032-22000-013-069-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: May 15, 2020
End Date: Nov 30, 2023
Objective:
a. Mass produce beneficial biological control agents for weeds of natural areas in Florida;
b. Release agents in specific easement locations in coordination with ongoing weed management efforts; and
c. Monitor spread and impact of biological control agents.
Approach:
USDA-ARS-IPRL proposes an expansion of existing biological control implementation where developed agents are mass reared in the IPRL annex facility, then deployed to private and public sites throughout Florida and monitored. The implementation phase will build upon the successful model of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) partnership created by IPRL, the South Florida Water Management, and the US Army Corps of Engineers in the Jacksonville District that has produced and released more than six million approved natural enemies on public and private lands following technical assistance from IPRL. The increase in implementation will involve one of IPRL's existing natural enemies either within or outside of existing CERP footprint and production will be increased through the hiring and management of one technician. This position will be located at IPRL.
