Great Lakes Calendar

Biological control agents introduced into the U.S. for control of invasive hydrilla have been partially effective and new agents are needed, especially those adapted to cooler climates/environments. Since 2014, extensive surveys of hydrilla have been conducted in Asia, particularly China and the Republic of Korea, where U.S. introductions were thought to have originated. Samples were genetically characterized to identify matches with invasive U.S. introductions; separate dioecious and monoecious introductions last century and the more recent detection in the Connecticut River. Sites have been identified where each of these distinct genotypes occur and include monoecious and dioecious biotypes. Surveys were conducted at these sites to identify and collect herbivores for evaluation as biological control agents. Matt Purcell, Director of the USDA ARS Australian Biological Control Laboratory, will provide an overview of those survey efforts and discuss insects being evaluated to determine potential effectiveness as biological control agents for U.S. invasive hydrilla.

Event website: http://hydrillacollaborative.com/
Contact: Katie Evans
Email: [email protected]