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

 

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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