2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To assemble information about non-native woody plants cultivated in the Chicago region and test risk-assessment models developed to predict the likelihood that non-native trees and shrubs will naturalize and potentially become invasive in the Midwestern United States. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Compile a list of non-native woody plants cultivated in the Chicago region and determine naturalization status of each species. Collect distributional data, along with data on horticultural and reproductive characteristics needed for risk assessment, and use to test risk-assessment models. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document activities conducted during FY 2007 under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Additional details or research can be found in the report the parent project 3625-21000-044-00D, "Plant Genetic Resource and Information Management." The ADODR monitors the activities of this project through frequent email exchanges and conference calls on at least a quarterly basis. The validation of three risk-assessment models developed from data collected on non-native woody plants commonly cultivated in Iowa began in April 2005 as an SCA between researchers at Plant Introduction Research Unit and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Edaphic variables for counties in the Chicago region were collected from county soil surveys and by consulting the USDA - NRCS website. Next, climatic information was assembled. With these data in hand, 13 of 22 counties in the Chicago region were selected as a homogeneous area for model validation. Information pertaining to the cultivation of non-native woody species in this region was collected from current and historical nursery catalogues. Several references and on-line databases were cross-referenced to validate non-native status in the region. Native geographic ranges for each species were assembled from the Germplasm Information Resources Network, Flora of North America, Flora of China, and published peer-reviewed articles. An initial list of non-native species cultivated in the region was reviewed and refined to a more concise list of 135 species for use in model validation in June 2005. Species-specific data collection, including biological characteristics related to naturalization, such as growth habit and propagation system then began, with all data temporarily managed in Excel spreadsheets and permanently stored in Access. A regional map of the study area was created, and geographic data have been interpreted and translated into a world map indicating the proportions of naturalizing species that are found in various regions, leading to the production of a poster for the USDA-ARS 2nd Floral and Nursery Crops Researchers Workshop in June 2006. Additional funding from National Program Staff was used to establish a second test based on data collected for a nearby region of 13 counties in Indiana and Michigan with soils and climatic conditions that differ significantly from the initial target region. This second dataset can help elucidate factors that define geographic boundaries for regional risk-assessment models. We developed a parallel plant-attribute database for non-native, woody plants widely cultivated in the second test area. More than 200 plant species cultivated in this region were reviewed and refined to a target list of 133 species. Global geographic data and biological attribute data (with the exception of one category which requires additional expert consultation - anticipated to be completed by early in FY 08) for these species have been assembled. A paper is being drafted to discuss this research and results from the study area in Illinois and Wisconsin and is expected to be submitted for peer review and publication by September 28th.