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Invasive Plant Research Program

About the Section's Invasive Plant Research Program

The Invasive Plant Management Section 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 Section 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 2008-2009, the bureau is spending $1.9 million on scientific research and outreach projects.

The Section 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.

Areas of particular current Section 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

What's New

New scientific published paper from a FWC funded research project:

2006-07 Research Annual Report [PDF 1.6 MB]

Predicting rapid invasion of the Florida Everglades by Old World Climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum [PDF 165 k]

Recent research related meeting:

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Section Research Facts

• More than 150 research and outreach projects funded since 1970.
• $15.2 million spent on research and outreach projects since 1970
• Since 1970, about 51% of all Section research funds spent have been on hydrilla research to find more effective and cheaper control methods
• Since 1970, 55% of all research monies spent by the Section have been on biocontrol research projects
• The annual expenditure to prevent and control invasive species in Florida during fiscal year 2003-04 by state agencies was $102.8 million.  The total amount spent on research efforts for invasive species during this same time was $875,960.