Location: European Biological Control Laboratory
Project Number: 0212-22000-031-007-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2025
End Date: Sep 14, 2029
Objective:
The proposed research project aims to address the urgent need for effective control measures against invasive species that pose significant threats to military readiness and installation security in the Indo-Pacific region. The focus species here is the fire-promoting Fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus). Our project will develop and implement safe and sustainable biological control strategies to manage this invasive species, thereby minimizing non-target impacts and management costs. Specific goals include identifying and evaluating natural enemies of the target weed, conducting host specificity testing, and securing release permits for effective biocontrol agents. Biocontrol is a low-to-medium risk, well developed approach for managing established high-priority invasive plants.
Approach:
Biocontrol effort begins with background research based on impact assessment and feasibility. Foreign exploration will be conducted to identify potential natural enemies in the weeds' native range. We then evaluate the biology and taxonomy of candidate biocontrol agents, followed by host specificity testing to ensure safety. Mass rearing protocols will be developed for approved agents, followed by applications to regulatory agencies for approved field release. Post-release monitoring will be conducted to assess the agents' impact on target weed populations. Through interdisciplinary methods comprising field surveys, laboratory experiments, and regulatory compliance, this project aims to deliver robust, science-based solutions for invasive species management in military and civilian contexts.