Location: Invasive Plant Research Laboratory
Project Number: 6032-22000-013-150-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: May 10, 2025
End Date: May 9, 2029
Objective:
The objective of this NACA is to discover, develop, evaluate and ship biological control agents of invasive species. The invasive species of concern threaten agriculture and natural environments in the US, and the emphasis of the research will be on those invasive species that originate in Latin America.
Approach:
Research includes initial exploration and discovery of potential biological control agents (arthropods, nematodes and microorganisms), full identification to species or subspecies level, as demanded by subsequent research, and development. Development refers to methods for monitoring, rearing, releasing, and otherwise necessary methods for manipulation of the species. Evaluation of the biological control agent allows for evaluation of its efficacy against the target invasive species and determines specificity (i.e. to avoid damage to non-target organisms). Basic information developed on systematics, behavior, physiology and other aspects of the biology of target and biological control organisms are considered relevant to the overall effort. Staff will travel to sites of native origin of invasive species, collect potential biological control agents, and perform other elements of the objectives either at their central facility or at collaborating institutions.