Location: Invasive Species and Pollinator Health
Project Number: 2030-22000-033-015-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2024
End Date: Aug 31, 2025
Objective:
Conduct foreign explorations for natural enemies of plants that are considered invasive weeds in the U.S.A., with the goal of colonizing insect populations for host range testing. Specific focus will be placed initially on natural enemies of rScotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium), rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea), and annual grasses (i.e. cheatgrass).
Approach:
The USDA Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit will conduct research in collaboration with Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency to accelerate development of biological control needs for the Western USA. This research will focus on identifying native ranges of invasive plants in the USA, search for herbivores that may be suitable candidates for biological control, and acquire export permits for shipping candidates to quarantine facilities in the USA. Protocols for colonizing and rearing agents will also be developed. Additionally, open field host range tests will be conducted for select agents.
