Location: Invasive Plant Research Laboratory
Project Number: 6032-22000-013-135-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2024
End Date: Jul 31, 2026
Objective:
Cooperator is located in South America where waterhyacinth is native. They will assist in the development of novel agents, and research into improving currently established agents (e.g., Megamelus scutellaris). The cooperator will also assist in physiological investigations into the evolution of invasiveness in Pontederiaceae and the co-evolution of Pontederia with Megamelus.
Approach:
The following will be integral parts of the cooperative research:
1. Continue research into the biology, host-range, rearing feasibility and interactions of Thrypticus as a potential new agent.
2. Continue investigations into the population ecology of Megamelus scutellaris.
3. Continue investigations into the evolution of the genus Megamelus in North and South America and aspects of the host/herbivore interaction (e.g., gut microbiome).
4. Assist with physiological studies of Pontederia crassipes and Pontederia cordata in South America to investigate innate physiological traits of both congeners.
