Invasive Plant Research Laboratory : USDA ARS

The USDA/ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory is a 21,000 sq. ft. facility comprised of offices, labs, and containment spaces facilitating investigations into the ecology and biological control of exotic weeds.

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Neomusotima conspurcatalis, a biological control insect for Old World Climbing Fern

Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) is an aggressive invasive weed that spreads rapidly in moist habitats in southern Florida.

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Melaleuca quinquenervia is an invasive weed in Florida and the Caribbean. Pictured here was a typical Melaleuca density in 1996, prior to the biological control agents developed by the Invasive Plant Research Lab.

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Air potato, Dioscorea bulbifera, is a vine that is native to Asia and Africa. This rapidly growing invasive weed outcompetes native plants. These vines can grow more than 60 feet long, they climb into trees and smother everything in their path.

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Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) is native to Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Currently, there are over 700,000 acres in Florida infested with Brazilian pepper tree. This plant produces a dense canopy that shades out all other plants and provides a very poor habitat for native species.

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Eichhornia crassipes (Waterhyacinth) is a highly invasive aquatic weed introduced from South America. Plants form thick mats rapidly on large bodies of water which are still or slow moving.

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Several local and federal agencies took another step in protecting America's
Everglades by releasing an insect reared to combat the invasive Brazilian
peppertree. These insects, known as thrips, were developed as part of a
partnership between several federal and state government agencies to combat
invasive plants in the South Florida ecosystem. These agencies include the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA), South Florida Water Management District
(SFWMD), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, the National Park Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC), the Florida Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services (FDACS) and the University of Florida Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
"Floridians have invested billions to restore and protect our Everglades for future
generations," said SFWMD Governing Board Member Ron Bergeron at the thrips
release event today at Tree Tops Park in Davie. "Using biological controls like this
insect to control the spread of invasive plants is using the tools Mother Nature
herself has given us to protect that investment in the Everglades."
Officials from several partner agencies at the thrips release event discussed how
biological methods like the use of insects are being used to manage the spread of
invasive plants in South Florida such as melaleuca and lygodium.
"Agricultural and natural systems are overrun with non-native invasive species,
costing the public hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Finding sustainable,
cost-effective and safe methods of pest control is badly needed," said Dr. Gregory
Wheeler, Research Entomologist at the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
"Our goal is to develop biological solutions to weed out problems in natural and
agricultural systems."
At this event, officials released dozens of vials containing thrips
(Pseudophilothrips ichini) insects that are native to Brazil and feed on the Brazilian
peppertree. USDA researchers anticipate this insect will reduce the growth of this
invasive plant by 80 percent without negatively affecting native Florida plants and
wildlife.
"University of Florida researchers worked as a team to study and gain approval for
the release of specialized insects that will manage the invasive Brazilian
peppertree," said Ronald Cave, Professor and Director for UF/IFAS Indian River
Research and Education Center.
Pedro Ramos, Superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks
added, "The invasive species problem we face threatens the delicate and
important Everglades ecosystem. Efforts like this are critical in our fight to ensure
our environment will be healthy and sustainable in the long term."
First introduced to Florida in the 1800s as an ornamental tree, the Brazilian
peppertree is one of the most aggressive, non-native plants in Florida, with more
than 700,000 acres statewide, including portions of America's Everglades,
impacted. Brazilian peppertree creates a dense canopy that crowds out native
plants and creates poor habitat for native wildlife.
After the release event, officials also toured the USDA's Invasive Plant Research
Laboratory at 3225 College Road in Davie, FL. This facility was built by the USACE
and is jointly operated by SFWMD in cooperation with the USDA. The lab rears
insects such as the thrips that are successfully controlling invasive species in
South Florida.
"Invasive species management is a key part of Everglades Restoration," said Lt.
Col. Jennifer Reynolds, USACE Deputy Commander for South Florida. "The
construction of the research and quarantine facility was the first project
component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan to be completed.
The ability to conduct research, rear biocontrol insects and pass the rigorous
process for release approval is critically important. Without the tools to manage
invasive species, such as the biocontrols we are releasing today, we cannot
accomplish Everglades Restoration."

Kipp Frohlich, Director of the FWC's Division of Habitat and Species
Conservation, added, "The FWC is proud to be a part of this project and we're
dedicated to continued work with our partners to find innovative ways to
eliminate invasive nonnative plants in our state."

Research accomplishment:

A approved biological control agent called "thrips" (Pseudophilothrips ichini) released in Davie Florida on July 16, 2019 for the invasive Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia).

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Directions

IPRL Brochure

KIND Garden Brochure

Field Guide for the Biological Control of Weeds PDF

The Invasive Plant Research Laboratory is located in Fort Lauderdale, FL and is part of the Southeast Area.
The Research Leader is Philip Tipping.
Email: philip.tipping@usda.gov
Phone: (954)475-6540
Fax: 954-476-9169
INVASIVE PLANT RESEARCH LAB
3225 College Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Invasive Plant Research Laboratory: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Research accomplishment:

A approved biological control agent called "thrips" (Pseudophilothrips ichini) released in Davie Florida on July 16, 2019 for the invasive Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia).

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