Hydrilla integrated pest management: research is improving extension efforts
OBJECTIVE: To improve the options for hydrilla management through the integration of four tools: a meristem-mining midge, an indigenous fungal plant pathogen, a new acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicide, and an outreach program to improve stakeholder knowledge about integrated pest management.
METHODS: Studies were developed to investigate the feasibility of the hydrilla tip mining midge, Cricotopus lebetis Sublette as a biological control agent for hydrilla. Experiments were conducted to assess its effectiveness in combination with other tools including the plant pathogen Mycoleptodiscus terrestris and the new herbicide, imazamox. Concurrently, a needs assessment survey identified suitable information platforms for stakeholders and trainings were developed for online and on-site delivery.
RESULTS: The hydrilla tip mining midge is both compatible and synergistic with both M. terrestris and imazamox. Reduction in hydrilla biomass and number of growing tips was observed in combined treatments. These results from the research team were incorporated into training sessions. Online Hydrilla IPM training lessons developed by the extension team have been watched 10,135 times. In 2014, through our partnership with LAKEWATCH, a citizen science lake monitoring program, we will deliver face-to-face trainings to citizens from 43 counties in Florida. The extension team also has developed a guide to Hydrilla IPM that includes information about management tactics and how they could be integrated to improve management of herbicide-resistant hydrilla.
CONCLUSIONS: The USDA NIFA Hydrilla IPM Risk Avoidance and Mitigation project has successfully integrated research and extension programs and produced useful deliverables for stakeholders.
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