Source: California Invasive Plant Council
URL of this page: http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/research/index.php
Invasive Plant Research
![Monitoring plants on Catalina Island](photo/McCuneMeasuring.jpg)
Monitoring plants on Catalina Island
Assessing Research Needs
California needs a coordinated plan to direct research efforts on invasive plants. Cal-IPC is surveying researchers and land managers throughout the state to to produce a summary of major research needs for California invasive plants, encompassing both biological and social/policy topics. The final report will be available at the end of 2008. Learn more about the Research Needs Assessment...
Weed Risk Assessment
We all know an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially for weeds. But how can we know which new weeds to look out for? Which weeds already in California are most likely to expand into new areas? Which non-native plants might present a threat if introduced to California? Such topics are the focus of the sub-discipline of Weed Risk Assessment. Learn more about Weed Risk Assessment...
Biological Controls
Biocontrol agents are insects or pathogens imported from an invasive plant's home range in order to control the plant in its invasive range. These agents reduce the vigor of the invasive plant through disease, direct herbivory, or ovipositing that forms galls. Because of food web dynamics, biocontrol agents cannot eradicate an invasive plant, but can keep populations at low levels. Biological control background information...
Cal-IPC engages in two specific biocontrol projects:
Wildlife and Invasive Plants
Invasive plants and wildlife interact in numerous ways. In some cases, invasive plants replace native species that wildlife depend on for food or shelter. In other situations, wildlife use and spread invasive plants. Information on wildlife and invasive plants...
Assessing the Cost of Invasive Plants in California
In order to communicate the importance of invasive plants, it is important to quantify their economic impact. This is difficult, especially for impacts to biodiversity, but the amount spent on controlling invasive plants provides one useful figure. Cal-IPC aggregates the amount spent by organizations across the state. Information on assessing costs...
Saharan Mustard (Brassica tournefortii) Research
Brassica tournefortii is a major weed in southern desert regions of California. The extent of the plant's range was apparent in spring 2005 after steady winter rains. Cal-IPC works with partners in the region to understand more about the plant's biology, impacts, range, and management. Saharan mustard research information....