Project Number: 5325-22000-020-11
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Feb 27, 2003
End Date: Feb 24, 2008

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to accelerate development of classical biological control agents for Cape ivy (Delairea odorata), a South African vine that is invading natural areas of California and Hawaii.

Approach:
Surveys in South Africa, the home of Cape ivy, have indicated an array of insects and pathogens that show promise as potential biological control agents for this vine. Several South African insects are currently being evaluated, under strict containment conditions, at the ARS quarantine facility in Albany, California. Complementary host range studies are to be conducted in South Africa, under non-containment conditions. These, along with supporting research into the biology and ecology of prospective biological control agents, will speed up approval of agents, and help assure that only the most promising undergo final screening at the ARS quarantine in Albany, CA. As ARS lacks the facilities, staff, and sufficient funds to perform this desired research in South Africa, CalEPPC contributes funds (collected from an array of agencies and individuals) to help defray the research in South Africa being conducted by scientists from South Africa's Plant Protection Research Institute, through a cooperative agreement with ARS. Documents Trust with CA Exotic Pest Plant Council. Log 23950. Formerly 5325-22000-017-24T (6/05).