About the Bureau's Research Program
The Bureau of Invasive Plant Management funds scientific
research projects to improve Florida's invasive plant management programs by
ensuring they are cost-efficient and the control techniques employed are
effective, safe, and environmentally compatible. Good research data also
helps invasive plant managers to have a better understanding of the plants they
control along with a good understanding of the ecological processes that govern
them. Since the early 1970s, the bureau has funded research at many of
Florida's universities and government agencies that resulted in more than 150
completed research projects. Present species of special concern for
research are new control methods for hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and Old World climbing fern
(Lygodium microphyllum). For fiscal year 2007-2008, the bureau is
spending $2.8 million on scientific research and outreach projects.
The bureau is obligated by law to spend at least $150,000 per
year on biological control research. Species like melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Brazilian
pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), Skunk vine (Paederia foetida),
and Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum)
have been targeted for finding and releasing host-specific organisms to help
control their spread on Florida's public conservation lands.
How to apply for bureau research funds
for fiscal year 2008-2009
Areas of particular current bureau
interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
·
Improved practices for
chemical control of Colocasia esculenta, Dioscorea bulbifera,
Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes, Hymenachne
amplexicaulis, Lygodium microphyllum,
L. japonicum, Nymphoides cristata, Luziola spruceana, Ruellia
brittoniana, and especially for controlling Hydrilla verticillata
infestations in large lake systems
·
Island apple snail
(Pomacea insularum) impacts in
Florida’s waterways
·
Effects of climate change
on invasive non-native plant populations in Florida
·
Evaluation and cost
effectiveness of different types of tussock shredding machines and
aquatic plant harvesters
·
Relationships between
wildlife and the amount of vegetation control
·
Research on the causes,
impacts, and control of blue-green algae populations of Lyngbya and
Cylindorspermopsis
·
Research on the potential
invasiveness of non-native bioenergy production plant species candidates
in Florida (Arundo donax, Pennisetum
purpureum, etc.).
·
Susceptibility of native
vegetation to increased concentrations of fluridone
·
Impacts of epiphytic algae
within the Order Stigonematales on apple snails and the birds that
consume them – an AVM-related issue, and Order Stigonematales population
range studies in Florida