Quarterly Progress Report: Second Quarter FY 2008

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EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1 (Hydrilla / Hygrophila Demonstration Projects - Osceola County, FL)

Project description and Goals:
This project is a combination of studies that will result in improved water quality and natural habitat in Osceola County lakes. Hydrilla and Hygrophila are exotic invasive weeds that are dominating the lakes aquatic ecosystem, shading out natural vegetation, reducing oxygen level, increasing the amount of sediments, and impacting flood control in lakes and canals. The project objectives are to evaluate the effectiveness of Experimental Use Permit herbicides, biological controls and application methods of herbicides in the treatment and control of Hydrilla and Hygrophila using small-scale fieldwork, large-scale field demonstrations and public outreach on the progress and findings.

Participants: Hilda Hatzell, EPA Project Officer, Region 4
Eleanor Foerste, Project Manager, Osceola County

Reporting period: Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 January 1 – March 31, 2008

Project activities during reporting period:

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

The QA/QC Report was completed by Ken Langeland for Elements 1, 2 and 3 Tasks 2 and 3.
The QA/QC Report is in progress for Element 3 Task 1 and is being conducted by Lane Tredway.

Element 1

Stewart Road pond treated with Bispyribac sodium.
Plant transects were established on Lake Jackson.

Element 2

Continue to monitor:

the efficacy of the October 2007 shallow water treatments.
the 450-acre Aquathol treatment on Lake Hatchineha.
the residue and efficacy of a large-scale treatment of Aquathol on Lake Kissimmee.

Initiated fluorescent dye trial with Rhodamine Wt at the Lake Toho structure (S-61)
Continue to develop methods to assess treatment efficacy using standard Lowrance fish finding equipment.

Element 3 Task 1

Working to resolve loss of Mt virulence in lab-bioassays.
Results from biomass harvests from November field trail show biomass suppression at one-month post treatment was improved over summer testing.

Element 3 Task 2

Foreign exploration for natural enemies on Hygrophila spp.
Domestic survey to identify insects associated with hygrophila.
Presentations and publications.

Element 3 Task 3

Insects reared from hydrilla in Burundi and Uganda have been identified.
A comprehensive list of insects collected to date in Uganda and Burundi has been compiled.
A location in Lake Tanganyika near Bujumbura with high densities of Polypedilum dewulfi has been found. This insect is thought to be an important herbivore of hydrilla. Efforts are underway to initiate a laboratory colony of this insect.
Sampling in Burundi and Uganda is continuing.
A survey of macrophytes in Lake Bisina has been initiated.

Element 4

Wrote articles for:

“Solutions for your Life” Osceola County Extension Newsletter
Aquatics Magazine
Orlando Sentinel

Submitted abstracts to:

Weed Science Society of America
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council
Florida Lake Management Society Meeting

Presented at the Weed Science Society of America Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL, February, 2008.
Assisted with the Envirothon at Leu Gardens.
Participated in Leadership Osceola.
Continuing to update the website.

What problems, if any, were encountered?

If a problem was encountered, what action was taken to correct it?

Element 2: Last Quarter flow in the Kissimmee Chain did not permit the study of injection treatments. This quarter, however, water flow finally allowed us to evaluate injection treatment strategies.
Element 3 Task 1: Expected levels of virulent pathogen were not produced. Reduction in virulence seems to be related to the pathogen's inability to infect a susceptible host due to long term storage reduction in activity or genetic variability among Mt strains. To correct this other stored Mt isolates have been recultured and are undergoing bioassay evaluation.
Element 3 Task 3: Civil unrest in Kenya caused some delay in project implementation. Operations were moved to Uganda which allowed operations to return to normal.

Is the project work on schedule?

This quarter? Yes
For the project?

Element 2: Work is on schedule for the project and we plan to conduct additional injection trials for flowing water to make up for the lack of flowing water work last year.
Element 3 Task 3: Establishing sub-contracts with Indian collaborators could result in some delays in accomplishing project goals and objectives due to complex sub-contracting regulations at the University of Florida.

If the project is not on schedule, what is proposed for a revised schedule?

Element 3 Task 1: Investigations of new Mt production materials will resume shortly and performance evaluated at various lab and field scales.

Does the new schedule require a time extension? A time extension is not necessary at this time.
Is there a change in the Grantee’s Authorized Representative or any of the key contacts? No.

Project spending for reporting period:

$31,947.27 was expended this quarter; with total project costs at 03/31/2008 totaling $1,064,911.52. Project balance is $2,881,000 – 1,064,911.52 = 1,816,088.48.

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1

Reporting period: Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 January 1 – March 31, 2008
Person Reporting: Sarah T. Berger, Senior Biologist, Osceola County
Dr. William T. Haller, University of Florida

Element: Element 1 Development and Testing of New Aquatic Herbicides

Project activities during reporting period:

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

1) The storm-water pond located at the corner of Stewart Rd and Pleasant Hill Rd was treated June 27, 2007 with bispyribac-sodium. Plant heights were measured on a bi-weekly basis and this continued through the current quarter. The trend is shown below in Figure 1

Figure 1: Stewart Pond Plant Height vs. Time

2) The storm-water pond located at the corner of Granada Blvd and Pleasant Hill Rd was treated on December 17, 2007. The pond area totaled 3.09 acres. The northern one acre was treated at a rate of 200 ppb Flumioxazin and 750 ppb Aquathol K. The middle 1.09 acres was left untreated. The southern one acre was treated at a rate of 200 ppb Flumioxazin and 230 ppb Reward. Plant heights were evaluated on a bi-weekly basis during the current quarter. The trend is shown below in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Granada Pond Plant Height vs. Time for Three Plots

Figure 3: Oak Tree Pond Plant Height vs. Time

3) Lake Jackson, located in Osceola County, was treated with penoxsulam in November/December 2007 by the South Florida Water Management District. A 6-9 ppb concentration will be kept through 100 days. Plant transects were established in the lake to determine impact of the treatment on hydrilla efficacy and selectivity. The transect data is listed in Transect Tables 1 through 4 below

What Milestones have been met for your Element?

Element 1, Task 1 Milestone:
Three to four treatment sites will be located for herbicide treatment the first and second quarter of year 2007. An additional 3 to 4 sites containing different native aquatic plants will be treated annually (spring) of each year and plant communities monitored for up to 1 year following herbicide application. Several sites from previous quarters are still being evaluated.

Element 1, Task 2 Milestones:
In the first two years, 5-10 compounds will be tested annually for activity against hydrilla and hygrophila. Concentration/exposure times (CET) will be conducted on these products with the greatest potential for future registration, as well as some of the older products (1-2 products per year). Greenhouse and shadehouse studies (step 3 above), and phytotoxicity studies will be conducted on the greatest potential for future registration, which may be two to three products annually. Completed throughout year but testing ongoing.

What problems, if any, were encountered? None
Is the project work on schedule?

This quarter? Yes
For the project? Yes

Does the new schedule require a time extension? A time extension is not anticipated at this time.
Is there a change in the key contacts for this element? No.

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1

Reporting period: Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 January 1 – March 31, 2008
Person Reporting: Dr. Michael D. Netherland, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, UF-IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, Gainesville, FL

Element: Element 2 Evaluation of Currently Registered Herbicides for Control of Hydrilla

Project activities during reporting period:

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

Summary of Ongoing Work:
Within Element 2 the demonstration objectives include evaluation of registered herbicides for hydrilla treatments in shallow waters, evaluation of the timing of herbicide application on efficacy and longevity (winter vs. spring vs. summer vs. fall), the potential for novel application techniques, and the use of herbicide combinations to enhance herbicide efficacy.

We continue to monitor the efficacy of the October 2007 shallow water treatments conducted in the north end of Lake Tohopekaliga. To date, we are still observing good hydrilla control in these areas at 5 months post-treatment. Impacts to the native grasses and smartweed were minimal following these airboat applications. We did note some injury to American lotus; however, given the density of the lotus, this was not an undesired outcome. At this point, it is difficult to ascertain efficacy differences between the plots that received Aquathol only, and the plots that received a combination of Aquathol and Reward. This late fall treatment has provided both good control and longevity to date. We will continue to evaluate the recovery of hydrilla.

We also continue to monitor the 450-acre Aquathol treatment that was applied via helicopter on December 11th, 2007 on the north end of Lake Hatchineha. This treatment was conducted in deeper water (2 m average depth) compared to the Lake Tohopekaliga treatment. The initial efficacy of this treatment was very good and to date we have seen no indication of hydrilla recovery.

In conjunction with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) we have been monitoring residues and efficacy of a large-scale treatment of Aquathol that was applied via helicopter to north lobe of Lake Kissimmee on March 18th, 2008 (Figure 4). We are now comparing an October 2007 treatment (Toho), and December 2007 treatment (Hatchineha), and a March 2008 treatment (Kissimmee). We will compare the efficacy and longevity of these treatments based on treatment timing and residue profiles.

On March 31st, 2008, we initiated fluorescent dye trial with Rhodamine Wt at the Lake Toho structure (S-61) to determine the feasibility of installing a drip injection system for aquatic herbicides at this site to treat Lake Cypress. We injected dye to the water flowing into the canal for 24 hours at a target rate of 8 ppb and monitored the downstream movement of residues into and throughout Lake Cypress daily for a period of 6 days. The dye concentrations were quantified (to 0.2 ppb) via the use of a field fluorometer. We used the fluorometer to track the general movement of the dye plume and then established permanent sample stations. We continued to sample the existing stations and new stations were added each day based on the movement of the dye into the lake. The data is being analyzed. This study represented our first opportunity to conduct a trial on novel application techniques to flowing water. In 2007, the drought precluded any opportunities to conduct this flowing water work. Future dye trials are currently being planned.

Development Efforts:

We continue to develop methods to assess treatment efficacy using standard Lowrance fish finding equipment. This method allows collection of plant biovolume data over a much broader area compared to current point intercept methods. We are using this method to assess treatment efficacy for the recent treatments on Lake Tohopekaliga, Lake Hatchineha, and Lake Kissimmee.

What problems, if any, were encountered?

There were no specific problems encountered during this phase of the work. The water flow through the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes finally allowed us to evaluate injection treatment strategies. The use of the fluorescent dye is highly predictive and provides the type of information that will allow us to determine optimal treatment strategies for injecting herbicides into flowing water.

Is the project work on schedule?

Project work is on schedule.

Work is on schedule for the project and we plan to conduct additional injection trials for flowing water to make up for the lack of flowing water work last year.

Are there any significant findings this quarter?

There are no significant findings this quarter for Element 2.

What is the future direction of the work?

Future work will continue as planned. No significant problems were encountered.

Is there a change in the key contacts for this element?

There is no change in key contacts for this element.

Figure 4: Aquathol treatment plont on Lake Kissimme, Fl. This 600-acre area was treated via helicopter on March 18, 2008.

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1

Reporting period: Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 January 1 – March 31, 2008
Person Reporting: Dr. Mark Heilman, Research Manager, SePRO, Inc.

Element: Element 3 Task 1 Demonstration of Hydrilla Control in Osceola County, Florida using Mycoleptodiscus terrestris (Mt), a new contact bioherbicide, for Aquatic Plant Management

Project activities during reporting period:

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

1) Lab Evaluations of Mt formulations and methods

Since late 2007, USDA, ERDC, and SePRO have been working to resolve an unexplained loss of virulence in lab-scale bioassays conducted to support screening of new Mt materials. As indicated in last quarterly report, a fermentation consultant formerly with Eli Lilly last fall provided several directions to explore to optimize culture production and product virulence. The first of these evaluations occurred in December 2007. It was noted that virulence was much reduced in the first protocols evaluated. Below in Figure 5 are final results of a net photosynthesis evaluation of liquid culture activity for eight different materials produced under various conditions of media sterilization and fermentation scale. All failed to show impact on dissolved oxygen generated in short incubations of similar quantities of treated hydrilla tissue at Mt rates that had previously shown to produce significant tissue stress (previous study example – pg 2 of 1QFY08 update). A small aquarium evaluation at same rates also showed poor performance.

Plans have been made at SePRO RTC facility for an early April screening of a handful of new materials developed after several re-isolation efforts from older stored cultures.

Treatment (Code # - ml of 1:1000 Stock Applied)

Figure 5. Changes in Dissolved Oxygen Production by apical meristems tissue of hydrilla after Mt. liquid culture treatment. Eight different USDA liquid cultures (#1, #3, #9) were evaluated at rates of 4.4, 8.8, 17.6 and 26.4 mL of 1:1000 stock of liquid Mt. culture applied per 350 mL study container. Rates correspond to 0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075 mL pure culture per liter of treated water.

2) Collaborative Research with NC State

Two issues delayed additional work on physiological and early pathological studies in collaboration with NC State University. First, the issue with virulence decreased the priority of this collaboration until production questions could be satisfactorily resolved to resume work. Second, the prospective NCSU graduate student anticipated by Dr. Rob Richardson to work on this project changed subject area at time of enrollment and was not available to conduct studies. Another student under Dr. Richardson has since been identified and is scheduled to work on Mt studies as part of his thesis research.

3) Pilot-scale commercial production

No significant activity pending virulence issue resolution except for a conference call with one potential commercial partner on the issue of stability as well as availability for a late spring initial scale-up.

4) Outdoor testing of best formulations

No activity due to winter conditions and pending status of additional lab and field evaluations.

5) Initiation of small field demonstrations in Osceola County

Following up from last quarterly update, both biomass harvests from the November 16, 2007 (Figure 6) field trial in Osceola County have been conducted and analyzed. As previously described, the major focus of the trial was to determine if cooler water temperatures and improved water quality in this fall trial would promote enhanced virulence of Mt bioherbicide prototypes. Overall, results showed trend of biomass suppression at one-month post-treatment that was improved over summer testing, but a lack of statistically significant reductions and clear recovery at two months post-treatment.

Figure 6. Hydrilla shoot weight sampled from test enclosures at Osceola County field site 26 and 62 DAT on November 16. Plots treated with formulated (F) and unformulated (UF) Mt (USDA E071017) at rates of 40, 80, 160, 240 mg active Mt (F) per liter and 160 mg active Mt (UF) per liter. ANOVA failed to detect statistically significant treatment effect at 26 DAT (p=0.076) or 62 DAT (p=0.848). Pretreatment not included due to difference in collection rake design.

Were there any significant problems encountered?

Recent bioassay screening examining alternate production protocols suggested by fermentation consultant failed to produce expected level of virulence. The reduction in virulence appears tied to reduced pathogen infectivity on host plant due to long-term storage reduction in activity or genetic variability within standard stored Mt strains. To correct problem, other stored Mt isolates, including an original isolate stored in USDA collection, have been recultured and are currently undergoing bioassay evaluation to confirm typical level of virulence on host hydrilla.

Is the project work on schedule?

The schedule for spring field assessments in Osceola County has been delayed to allow resolution of stability and virulence questions in production isolate.

If the project is not on schedule, what is proposed for a revised schedule?

Some field activity is still planned for later spring (early - mid May) at the pond scale. Other lab-scale evaluations will also resume including mesocosm trials and collaborative studies with NCSU.

Does the new schedule require a time extension? No extension is currently requested.
Are there any significant findings this quarter? No.
What is the future direction of the work?

Investigation of new Mt production materials will resume shortly and performance evaluated at various lab and field scales. There are two significant proprietary improvements in production protocols that will be investigated with likely scale-up in field evaluations to open plots up to 0.1-0.2 acres in size. Commercial pilot scale-up is still anticipated but may be pushed to fall if spring timelines cannot be met and associated pond-scale field evaluations cannot be conducted before the onset of less favorable mid-late summer conditions in Osceola pond sites.

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1

Reporting period:   Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 January 1 – March 31, 2008

Person Reporting: Abhishek Mukherjee, Graduate Student, University of Florida
                                 Dr. James Cuda, University of Florida

Element: Element 3 Task 2 Foreign Exploration for Natural Enemies of Hygrophila

Project activities during reporting period:

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

Foreign exploration for natural enemies on Hygrophila spp.

Domestic survey to identify insects associated with hygrophila.

Presentations and publications.

Domestic survey to identify insects associated with hygrophila

As reported in the previous quarter, a domestic survey was conducted to identify arthropods associated with hygrophila in Rum Island, Columbia County and in Miles Creek, Pinellas County, in December, 2007 and also continued in January 2008. The rationale of this survey was to assess the suitability of this invasive weed species as a target for classical biological control. By surveying the organisms currently using hygrophila as a host plant, potentially vacant niches of the plant can be identified that can be exploited by host specific natural enemies from the native range.

We used the Berlese funnel method to extract insects from the hygrophila samples collected from the aforementioned locations. Identification of the samples to the order level was accomplished in the laboratory with a microscope. The samples were then sent to the Florida State Collection of Arthropods, Division of Plant Industry (DPI), Gainesville, Florida for further identification.

The following graph (Fig 7) shows the orders of the arthropods associated with the hygrophila samples. Insects of the Order Coleoptera (beetles) were the most (42%) followed by the Orders Lepidoptera (butterflies/moths) and Diptera (flies) (14% each). In addition, 12% of the extracted insects belonged to Order Odonata (dragon flies/damselflies). The Orders Hemiptera (bugs) and Trichoptera (caddisflies) each accounted for 8% and the remaining (2%) represented the Order Collembola (springtails).

Insects were mostly identified to the family level by systematic entomologists. Families of insects identified by the DPI taxonomists collected in the survey were; Coleoptera (Dryopidae, Dytiscidae, Hydraenidae, Hydrophilidae and Staphylinidae); Lepidoptera (Elachistidae, Noctuidae and Pyralidae); Hemiptera (Cydnidae Hebridae and Veliidae); and Diptera (Chironomidae, Stratiomyiidae, Cecidomyiidae, Psychodidae and Syrphidae). Families of Orders Trichoptera, Odonata and Collembola could not be identified due to the lack of taxonomists specializing in these groups.

What problems, if any, were encountered? None
Is the project work on schedule?

This quarter? Yes
For the project?
Though efforts are being made, it is likely that establishing sub-contracts with Indian collaborators (PDBC) could result in some delays in accomplishing project goals and objectives due to complex sub-contracting regulations at the University of Florida
If the project is not on schedule, what is proposed for a revised schedule? There is no need to revise the schedule at this point.

Does the new schedule require a time extension? A time extension is not anticipated at this time.
Is there a change in the key contacts for this element? No.

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1

Reporting period: Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 January 1 – March 31, 2008

Person Reporting: Dr. William A. Overholt, University of Florida

Element: Element 3 Task 3 Collaborative effort to search for natural enemies of hydrilla in East Africa (Project Ongoing)

Project activities during reporting period:

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

Insects reared from hydrilla in Burundi and Uganda have been identified

A comprehensive list of insects collected to date in Uganda and Burundi has been compiled.

A location in Lake Tanganyika near Bujumbura with high densities of Polypedilum dewulfi has been found. This insect is thought to be an important herbivore of hydrilla. Efforts are underway to initiate a laboratory colony of this insect.

Sampling in Burundi and Uganda is continuing.

A survey of macrophytes in Lake Bisina has been initiated.

Were there any significant problems encountered?

Civil unrest in Kenya in January-March caused some delay in project implementation as Bob Copeland, who is leading the field work in Africa, was based in Kenya. Dr. Copeland moved his base of operations to Jinja, Uganda in March which has allowed operations to return to normal. Moreover, Bob’s permanent presence in Uganda will allow better day to day supervision of activities in that country.

Is the project work on schedule? Yes, as indicated above, there were some delays due to post-election problems in Kenya, but we are now back on track.
If the project is not on schedule, what is proposed for a revised schedule?
Does the new schedule require a time extension? No
Are there any significant findings this quarter?

The identification of a site with high densities of Polypedilum dewulfi will allow us a better opportunity to laboratory colonize this insect and begin to study its biology.

What is the future direction of the work?

Laboratory colonization of Polypedilum sp.

Mapping the submersed macrophytes of Lake Bisina

Comparison of insect complexes associated with hydrilla and other submersed aquatic macrophytes in Lake Bisina

Continue surveys to identify insects associated with hydrilla

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1

Reporting period: Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 January 1 – March 31, 2008

Person Reporting: Dr. Tina M. Bond, Osceola County Extension
Karen Brown, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants

Element: Element 4 Demonstration and Outreach

Project activities during reporting period:

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?
- Completed Quarterly and Budget Reports for First Quarter 2007/08.
- Converted all quarterly reports to PDF files to be placed on the website for easier printing.
In development:
- 'Osceola County Citizens Guide to Waterfront Living’ This guide will help residents understand individual actions that impact aquatic plant growth (watering, fertilizing pet waste disposal, soil disturbance, shoreline vegetation removal, etc). and how to minimize invasive species impact such and cleaning motors and trailers before transporting boats to other water bodies.
- Information on Osceola County and other local boat ramps, amenities and directions that will be posted on the website for citizens and visitors. Educational kiosks regarding Hydrilla and other aquatic plants are planned for some of these locations.
Additional webpages with past activities and updates.
Wrote two articles for the Osceola County Extension Newsletter “Solutions for your Life”:
- Bond, Tina M. 2008. January, February, March. “Smartweed: A Native Plant Gone Bad?” Solutions for Your Life
- Bond, Tina M. 2008. April, May, June. “Watch our hydrilla, there’s a new sheriff in town!” Solutions for your Life
Wrote an article for Aquatics Magazine (Quarterly publication of the Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society)
- Bond, Tina M. “Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.” Aquatics Winter, 2007, pp. 21.
Wrote an article for the Orlando Sentinel:
- Bond, Tina M. “Weedy invaders pose threat to native plants, animals.” Orlando Sentinel. 24 February 2008: J4.
Submitted abstracts to the following organizations for presentation at annual meetings:
- Weed Science Society of America
- Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council
- Florida Lake Management Society Meeting
- All abstracts were accepted for presentation.
Developed two slides on the Hydrilla/Hygophila Demonstration Project that is incorporated into an overall Extension Presentation to educate citizens about the programs and services extension provides. This presentation was presented to the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners by Mary Beth Salisbury, County Extension Director.
Developed presentations for the:
- Weed Science Society of America Annual Meeting (February 4 – 7, 2008, Chicago, Illinois.)
- Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Annual Meeting (Scheduled for April 21-24, 2008)
- Florida Lakes Management Society (Scheduled for June 2-5, 2008)
Presented at the Weed Science Society of America Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL, February 4-7, 2008.
Exhibitor at the Osceola County Fair. Cooperated with Jessica Sullivan, the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program coordinator, to educate residents on the impacts fertilizers and other activities have on stormwater retention ponds and the growth of aquatic weeds such as hydrilla.
University Training:
- Completed New Agent Orientation, Session III
- Attended Permanent Status and Promotion Training
Assisted with the Envirothon at Leu Gardens. The Regional Envirothon is a natural resource education program for high school students. It is a competitive event where students work in teams of five to answer written questions and conduct hands-on investigations about environmental issues in five categories: Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, Wildlife, and current environment issues. The Envirothon was established to challenge high school students to learn more about conservation problems and solutions. Additionally, the Envirothon increases student’s knowledge of the natural sciences and enhances their critical thinking and team-building skills. This agent assisted with set up and judging of the aquatics category.Approximately 350 high school youth from around Central Florida participated in the regional event. Osceola County’s Harmony High School team went on to Tampa to compete in the state-wide competition.
Participated in Leadership Osceola, Environment Day in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District and Osceola County Lakes Management. Leadership Osceola County is a leadership development program. Over the course of the program participants are introduced to our community, including social services, criminal justice, education, healthcare, governmental services, environment, economic development, community planning/vision, arts and culture. During the Environment Day, participants were taken out on air boats to learn about the lock and canal systems and the importance of aquatic plant management in Osceola County. They were given information on native and invasive aquatic plants while they were on the water and could see the impacts first hand.
Attended Galleon (penoxsulam) training offered by SePRO. Will be given certified trainer status through SePRO that will enable us to provide training to end users of Galleon, which is a label requirement.
Continuing to update the website.
Invited by Dr. William Haller to moderate at the Aquatic Weed Short Course.
Invited to speak at the CEU (Continuing Education Units) Day at the Lake County Extension Office in June. Topic: “Aquatic Weeds and Pesticide Update”. Two CEU’s in Aquatics, Private Applicator will be awarded to participants for.
The website continues to be developed and expanded as new material is made available. According to Google Analytics, the website had 437 visits and 592 page-views during this quarter.
A new website section was created: Biological control of Hygrophila polysperma: Searching for natural enemies in India - First Trip Report (http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/osceola/india_fieldtrip.html)
Annotated citations to the scientific literature pertaining to hygrophila and hydrilla management in Osceola County and Kissimmee water bodies are listed in the demonstration project website under “Research Publications from the APIRS Database.” New citations will be posted as they are received.
Other citations from the APIRS collection that could provide additional information to citizens of Osceola County will be posted as they are located and evaluated.
Printed copies of publications are available from the CAIP Information office or as downloadable PDF files.
Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP) staff and Eleanor Foerste made contact with science teachers in Osceola County and provided them with materials and lessons to test in their classroom. The team is making plans for the summer teacher workshop to pilot test aquatic invasive plant curriculum for teachers in Osceola County.
Video plant identification modules on hydrilla and hygrophila have been placed on the Osceola website for use by the general public and by field personnel.

Element 3 Task 2 Presentations:
Mukherjee A., M. A. Gitzendanner, J. P. Cuda, and W. A. Overholt. 2008. Characterization of microsatellite DNA diversities of hygrophila (Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) T. Anders) in Florida. FLEPPC 23rd Annual Symposium in Jacksonville, Florida.

Element 3 Task 2 Publications:
Mukherjee A, J. P., Cuda, W. A., Overholt, & C. Ellison. 2008. Biological Control of Hygrophila polysperma: Searching for Natural Enemies in India -First Trip Report. Aquatics. (In Press)

Cuda J. P., R. Charudattan, M. J. Grodowitz, R. M. Newman, J. F. Shearer, M. L. Tamayo and B. Villegas. 2008. Recent advances in biological control of submersed aquatic weeds. J. Aquatic Plant Manage. (In press)

Habeck D.H. and Cuda J.P. 2008. Waterlily leafcutter, Synclita obliteralis (Walker). Featured Creatures. EENY-424. http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/beneficial/leps/waterlily_leafcutter.htm
(Note: this month is a native herbivore that periodically attacks hygrophila)

Were there any significant problems encountered?

There were not significant problems encountered this quarter.

Is the project work on schedule?
- Project work is on schedule.
Are there any significant findings this quarter?
- There are no significant findings this quarter for Element 4.
What is the future direction of the work?
- Future work will continue as planned.