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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Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) is an aggressive invasive weed that spreads rapidly in moist habitats in southern Florida. Recent research found biocontrol release by drone proved positive results for it's control.
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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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Pontederia Crassipes / 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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Research accomplishment:
An approved biological control agent called "thrips" (Pseudophilothrips ichini) released in Davie Florida on July 16, 2019 for the invasive Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia).
Click picture for Brazilian Peppertree biological control Thrips Request form and additional information.
