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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Lauderdale, Florida » Invasive Plant Research Laboratory » Research » Research Project #447456

Research Project: Biological Control of Invasive Australasian Plants

Location: Invasive Plant Research Laboratory

Project Number: 6032-22000-013-148-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Oct 1, 2024
End Date: Sep 30, 2025

Objective:
1. Maintain colonies of L. indentata in quarantine and import new germplasm to supplement the releases being made as part of the CERP agreement. 2. Complete host specificity tests for Calomela intemerata. 3. Complete host specificity tests for Trichilogaster spp. 4. Establish colonies of Macrobathra species and begin host specificity testing. 5. Complete impact and interaction studies with Trichilogaster and Calomela. 6. Begin feasibility study and initiate surveys of herbivores of N. cristata in Asia. 7. Develop rearing protocols for A. pinnata and its associated agents.

Approach:
The Contractor shall provide bi-annual progress reports detailing progress on Objectives 1-5 of the Scope of Work, including the status of all potential agents under evaluations. Mid-year progress reports, due April 30 of each year, shall consist of an onsite meeting at the USDA ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory in Davie, Florida. The meeting shall include presentation(s) on contracted activities for the preceding six (6) month period, an inspection of potential agents under quarantine, and a written summary of accomplishments and expenditures. Annual progress reports shall be delivered to the District Project Manager on or before August 30 of each year. A final project report shall be delivered to the District Project Manager on or before August 30, 2024. The Contractor shall submit bi-annual invoices to the District Project Manager; mid-year and year-end invoices shall be submitted no later than March 15 and September 10 of each contract year, respectively.