Quarterly Progress Report: Third Quarter FY 2009
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Grant ID: X7-96433105-1 (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: Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2009 April 1 – June 30, 2009
Project activities during reporting period:
- What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?
- We are working to revise the Workplan and the Budget for the project. One specific component will be revision of Element 2 to include evaluation of additional registered aquatic herbicides.
Element 1
- Flumioxazin and bispyribac sodium expect full EPA registration for aquatic use in next 6-9 months.
- EUPs (Experimental Use Permits) were granted for trifloxysulfuron sodium in May 2009.
Element 2
- Presented results of our hydrilla research in Osceola County at the University of Florida Aquatic Weed Control Short Course, the Florida Lake Management Society, and the Osceola County Hydrilla Field Day.
- Continued to evaluate both target and non-target plant response following large-scale hydrilla treatments in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes using endothall, endothall + imazamox, and endothall + penoxsulam. We are monitoring herbicide residues, target and non-target plants, and water quality response to the treatments over time.
- We are quantifying the response of submersed native plants following large-scale herbicide applications targeting hydrilla. Grids have been established in both treated and non-treated areas.
Element 3 Task 1
- Evaluation of new dry Mt bioherbicide formulation has started at the lab and field level and will be aggressively pursued in the upcoming quarter.
- Regulatory approval was granted to two commercial fermentation partners to allow pilot production scale-up of multiple production pathways for Mt bioherbicide.
- Production schedule is set for field application of two commercially produced formulations of Mt bioherbicide at the beginning of the upcoming project quarter.
Element 3 Task 2
- Conducted field surveys for hygrophila in North East India in Assam and West Bengal from September to December, 2008.
- Collected arthropod natural enemies of hygrophila.
- Efforts are being made to identify the collected specimens to species.
- Surveyed for nematode fauna associated with roots of hygrophila.
Element 3 Task 3
- Forty-seven species of chironomid midges were reared from hydrilla in Burundi and Uganda. Of these, 24 species were found only in Uganda, 9 species only in Burundi and 15 species were found in both countries.
- Most of the chironomid species that we reared from hydrilla in Lake Tanganyika represent new collection records for Burundi. For Uganda, 50% of the species represent new country records.
- Microscopic inspections of hydrilla stems in Burundi (449 stems) and in Uganda (842 stems) have found no evidence of insect herbivory.
- Attempts to colonize two chironomid species that were thought to be herbivores of hydrilla (Polypedilum wittei and P. dewulfi) have failed. We no longer believe that these species are herbivorous.
- Examination of 8 nuclear microsatellites revealed a surprising amount of genetic diversity of hydrilla in Florida, which we believe is the result of somatic mutations.
- Our data suggest that a single clone of hydrilla was introduced into Florida 50 years ago and has spread throughout Florida and the southern United States.
Element 4
- Conducted the 2009 Hydrilla Field Day with 112 participants.
- Many of the element coordinators gave 7 presentations at several professional meetings.
- Presentations on the project were given to10 several community groups and exhibits were displayed at several events.
- Work on the kiosks is ongoing.
- Continuing to update the project website adding 20 new publications.
- Significant Findings this Quarter?
- Hydrilla genetics: Examination of 8 nuclear microsatellites revealed a surprising amount of genetic diversity in Florida, which we believe is the result of somatic mutations. Our data suggest that a single clone of hydrilla was introduced into Florida 50 years ago and has spread throughout Florida and the southern United States.
- Role of fish in regulation of hydrilla in Africa: In the first quarter of this year we attempted to set up and conduct a fish exclusion experiment in Lake Bisina, Uganda to test the hypothesis that fish were regulating hydrilla in Africa. That attempt failed when the cages were destroyed during a storm. We installed new cages in April, and so far, they have remained in place. The first sampling of the cages one month after their installation suggests that fish herbivory may be important, but it is too early to make definitive conclusions.
- This quarter, several promising insects were identified from those collected during September, 2008 exploratory surveys for natural enemies of hygrophila in the northeastern part of India.
- Results indicate that although many common plant parasitic nematodes were found to be associated with hygrophila roots, many of them are important crop pests and have no biological control potential. Our findings, however, constitute the first record of nematodes associated with this aquatic invasive weed.
- Is the project work on schedule? No
- This quarter? No. For Element 2, hygrophila evaluations were passed to the next quarter due to issues with permitting and water flow in the target site. For Element 4, the kiosk project is delayed. Due to revisions, the deadline for completion of the kiosk panels will need to be extended to the end of the 4th quarter (September).
- For the project? No. For Element 3, Task 1, permitting delays with APHIS has resulted in delays in large scale field testing.
- Does the new schedule require a time extension? Yes. The project coordinator is preparing a proposal to be submitted during the next reporting period for a workplan revision to include a revised timeline and no cost extension.
- Is there a change in the Grantee’s Authorized Representative or any of the key contacts? Yes
Element 1 and 2: Dean Jones has been hired to fill the vacant Senior Biologist position. He has been employed by UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension effective 6/29/09.
Dean Jones, Senior Biologist
UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension
1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane
Kissimmee, FL 34744
321-697-3000
321-697-3010 fax
K.Jones@osceola.org
Project spending for reporting period:
$30,141.62 was expended this quarter, with total project costs at 6/30/2009 $1,663,964.29. Project balance is $ 2,881,000 – 1,663,964.29= $1,217,035.71.
EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant #X796433105-1
Reporting period: Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2009 April 1 – June 30, 2009
Person Reporting: Atul Puri and William T. Haller, University of Florida
Element: Element 1: Development and Testing of New Aquatic Herbicide
Project activities during reporting period:
- What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?
The need to discover and develop new aquatic herbicides for use in FL has arisen due to the development of resistance of hydrilla to fluridone. This phenomenon occurred because of over-reliance on fluridone and lack of alternative modes of action. Since 2000, two herbicides evaluated under this element, penoxsulam and imazamox, have received full Section 3 aquatic use labels. These labeled products are being evaluated under Element 2 of this project.
Element 1 of this project has two major objectives i.e. greenhouse screening of potential new herbicides and evaluation of experimental products in the field (retention ponds) following EPA issuance of experimental use permits (EUPs).
This research project has identified and assisted in the development of five potential new herbicides under EUP. Imazamox is now registered (2007) as Clearcast. Topramezone-methyl and quinclorac are being evaluated under EUPs and data has been submitted for full aquatic registration of flumioxazin and bispyribac-sodium. These two products were extensively tested under this project and full registration is expected in 2010.
On May 20, 2009, trifloxysulfuron sodium was granted EUP for expanded field work to evaluate its efficacy on hydrilla and selectivity on native plants in Florida. This herbicide is an additional ALS-inhibitor but has good selectivity against hydrilla and offers a different selectivity spectrum from other registered ALS inhibitors.
There are 28 herbicide modes of action of nearly 325 herbicides sold in the USA. We have evaluated 14 of the 28 modes of action. Three modes of action are not registered in the USA. Eleven other modes of action include arsenicals, sodium TCA and other compounds either too toxic for fish or ineffective in the aquatic environment. There are not an infinite number of compounds which can be evaluated; however, several chemical companies are allowing evaluation of recently discovered numbered compounds for activity against hydrilla. We have conducted extensive greenhouse and field studies to evaluate new herbicides for hydrilla efficacy in the past few years and these studies are being continued at the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP) in Gainesville, FL.
The methodology of our screening program has been discussed in the previous reports. Essentially herbicides are compared in a single application of several concentrations over a 56 day period. Herbicides that provide control or a reduction in biomass (50-60%) similar to fluridone on fluridone sensitive hydrilla are further evaluated.
Results and Discussion:
Replicated studies were conducted with two herbicides to determine efficacy on hydrilla. UF-18 is an ALS-inhibiting herbicide, causing inhibition of branched chain amino acids in the plants and results in growth inhibition. Hydrilla plants become purple in color and very brittle 4 weeks after treatment with UF-18 (Figure 1). The evaluated plants became brittle and did not recover from the herbicide injury. There was a reduction in hydrilla biomass at doses of 50 ppb or higher. UF-18 at 50, 75, 100 and 200 ppb caused 38%, 55%, 75%, and 87% biomass reduction at 56 DAT compared to control plants (Figure 2). Another herbicide tested was imazasulfuron, which is also an ALS-herbicide and it resulted in reduction in hydrilla biomass at rates higher than 100 ppb (Figure 3). It is unlikely that further research will be conducted with imazasulfuron.
Further screening is proceeding with new numbered compounds from chemical companies. The ALS-inhibitors are being tested to define selectivity and to determine if different herbicide combinations produce any synergistic activity against hydrilla.
Summary:
There has been little field work this quarter due to ponds on Pleasant Hill Road still exhibiting good control from treatments conducted last year. The pending registration of two new herbicides, with two different modes of action is a direct result of this sponsored research. The issuance of a new EUP will provide opportunities for additional field work.
Figure 1: UF-18 injury symptoms (50 ppb) on hydrilla 56 days after treatment compared to control.
Figure 2: Effect of UF-18 on hydrilla biomass. Means values are presented with 95% confidence interval.
Figure 3: Effect of imazasulfuron on hydrilla biomass. Means values are presented with 95% confidence interval.
- What Milestones have been met for your Element?
We continue to evaluate and obtain EUP labels for expanded studies of potential new products. A new EUP was granted for trifloxysulfuron sodium in May 2009, and another EUP is expected in late 2009-early 2010. Three products, (imazamox, bispyribac sodium, and flumioxazin) have been submitted for full aquatic registration since the project began and five are still being evaluated under EUP. This level of registration/regulatory activity is unprecedented in aquatic plant management.
- Were there any significant problems encountered? No
- Is the project work on schedule?
- This quarter? Yes
- For the project? Yes
- Are there any significant findings this quarter? Nothing unexpected
- What is the future direction of the work?
We will continue with field studies of the current EUP products and continue screening new products (non-EUP) in the laboratory and greenhouse.
- Is there a change in the key contacts for this element? Yes
Dean Jones has been hired as the Senior Biologist. He has been employed by UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension effective 6/29/09.
EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant #X796433105-1
Reporting period: Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2009 April 1 – June 30, 2009
Person Reporting: Michael D. Netherland, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center
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?
- Large-scale treatments were conducted in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes on Lakes Cypress, Hatchineha, Jackson and Kissimmee in late March and early April of 2009. Treatments included endothall alone, combinations of endothall and imazamox (ALS inhibitor), and endothall and penoxsulam (ALS inhibitor). Sample stations were established both within and outside of the treated area. Water samples were collected for herbicide residue analysis and water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, and temperature were recorded from each of the lakes between March 25th and April 29th. During this time period all lakes were also surveyed for condition of hydrilla and native plants. Residue samples were run via immunoassay or liquid chromatography.
- Follow up plant surveys in the treatment areas in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes on Lakes Tohopekaliga (December-March treatments), Cypress, Hatchineha, and Kissimmee were also performed at the end of June 2009. Hydrilla was sparse in all of the treated areas with the exception of the north end of Lake Tohopekaliga. Field surveys suggest that much of the recovery is occurring from sprouting turions. Field surveys also suggest that the submersed native plants vallisneria and Illinois pondweed remained healthy and were actively growing following the herbicide exposures.
- Post-treatment biomass samples were collected from hydrilla/vallisneria/Illinois pondweed permanent grids on Lakes Tohopekaliga, Hatchineha, and Kissimmee in April and June. Plants were weighed and biomass was recorded. Results indicate that hydrilla has been significantly reduced from the majority of the grids where endothall residues were documented. Vallisneria and/or Illinois pondweed increased in biomass in the majority of the grids on all of the lakes. There are 2 grids of the original 60 where we were no longer able to detect presence of plants.
- Performed post-treatment fathometer transects inside and outside of treatment plots in the South End, Middle Block, Goblet’s Cove, North End, and Makinson Island areas of Lake Tohopekaliga. Cypress Cove and Scotty’s Cove were also surveyed to assess hydrilla condition between endothall alone (Scotty’s Cove) and endothall/penoxsulam (Cypress Cove) treatments. Continued surveys in these coves are to be performed through 1 year post-treatment.
- Attended the Osceola County Hydrilla Field Day at the Lake Tohopekaliga waterfront. We prepared a poster and spoke with the general public and various local and state agency personnel about research that is being performed through the Osceola County Hydrilla/Hygrophila grant on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
- Treated 3 experimental ponds in the Pleasant Hill area of Osceola County with endothall in combination with either penoxsulam or imazamox, or a combination of diquat and imazamox. In contrast to the large-scale treatments mentioned above, these treatments targeted the entire water body.
- Visited Shingle Creek in April and June to evaluate the potential for treating hygrophila. A permit for the treatment has been issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). A drip treatment is currently planned for July to manage hygrophila using a combination of Aquathol, Reward, and Hydrothol. A fluorescent dye will be used to predict downstream movement of the herbicide residues, and then the herbicide drip will be initiated.
- Dr. Netherland attended the University of Florida Aquatic Weed Control Short Course and presented a paper on large-scale herbicide applications for control of hydrilla.
- Dr. Netherland attended the Florida Lake Management Society Meeting in Key Largo as an invited speaker and presented 1 presentation on hydrilla control.
- What Milestones have been met for your Element?
We continue to meet our evaluation milestones for currently registered herbicides on hydrilla. We evaluated treatments at different times of the year, different combinations of herbicides, and we are evaluating efficacy differences between shallow water and deep water treatments. The newly registered products were not anticipated in the original workplan milestones; however, we are evaluating these products both alone and in combination.
- Were there any significant problems encountered? No
- Is the project work on schedule?
- This quarter? Hygrophila evaluations were passed to the next quarter due to issues with permitting and water flow in the target site.
- For the project? Yes.
- Are there any significant findings this quarter?
There were no unexpected findings this quarter. The recovery of hydrilla from turions as opposed to hydrilla shoot vegetation or rootcrowns in many areas of the lakes demonstrates that we achieved near complete control of the existing hydrilla shoot biomass with many of the December and January applications. Research following past treatments has demonstrated that the longevity of control is significantly increased when hydrilla is forced to recover from vegetative propagules such as turions or tubers. Treatments that do not result in control of shoot vegetation or rootcrowns can often lead to rapid recovery within 1 to 3 months following application of contact herbicides. In evaluating the efficacy of this year’s treatments, there are many areas where we continue to observe acceptable hydrilla control 6 to 7 months following application. We will provide another update on treatment longevity during the next quarterly report.
- What is the future direction of the work?
In the immediate future we will be monitoring the treatments conducted earlier this year as there will likely be no large-scale applications in the upcoming quarter. We will work with the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Interagency Aquatic Plant Management group to develop large-scale treatment plans in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes for late fall or early winter of 2009-2010. In addition to documenting the duration of hydrilla control, we will continue to focus on native plant recovery and we plan to develop more detailed maps of native plant beds on the lakes.
- Is there a change in the key contacts for this element? Yes
Dean Jones has been hired as the Senior Biologist. He has been employed by UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension effective 6/29/09.
EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant #X796433105-1
Reporting period: Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2009 April 1 – June 30, 2009
Person Reporting: Mark A. Heilman
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?
As suggested in the last quarterly report, the focus of the project team in the current reporting quarter has been:
- Evaluation of the aquarium-scale efficacy of Mt bioherbicide produced through an alternative proprietary fermentation process,
- Continued regulatory interaction to allow transfer of Mt samples to two commercial fermentors using original and alternate production methods,
- Preparation for and initiation of application of test batches of commercial pilot produced material to study ponds in Osceola County, and finally
- Participation in the public field day event in early June to promote awareness of the grant program and this project component.
Per #1, in April of the most recent quarter, the USDA (Dr. Mark Jackson) produced an initial batch of Mt bioherbicide for aquarium-scale mesocosm testing. This batch was scheduled to be applied to hydrilla in test aquaria at the SePRO laboratories in NC, but just prior to application, USDA determined through its own germination and fungal growth assays that the batch had become contaminated with another fungus during the fermentation process. USDA re-evaluated its sterilization protocols for the new production approach and in late May provided a pure Mt bioherbicide material for initial evaluation by SePRO. The harvest of this initial aquarium study was performed in early July and final dry weights of study are not available for this report. However, visual symptoms indicated that on a per unit weight basis, this initial dry material from USDA was not quite as active on hydrilla as material produced using the older USDA protocol. The representative photographs below show hydrilla condition in SePRO test aquaria at 10 days after application with equivalent rates of both new (left) and old (right) dry Mt materials.
Since this test, USDA and one of our new commercial partners have determined that Mt yield was likely not maximized here due to incomplete media utilization in the test fermentation. Due to long-awaited approval of USDA-APHIS permits (see below), additional fermentation evaluations have now been conducted by this commercial partner and have developed new materials with much improved media utilization through longer incubation times. The longer incubation times would ultimately translate into higher cost of production, so once effective use rates for new dry materials are better titrated, a re-analysis of production cost scenarios will be needed.
Per #2 above, our two new commercial partners assisting with scale-up of bioherbicide production were finally approved to receive Mt from USDA for use in commercial-scale pilot fermentation efforts. One partner received their permit on May 26, while the other received permit authorization on June 30. On June 5, SePRO received a related permit to move test materials from the commercial partner to Osceola County for small-scale field evaluations. SePRO has yet to receive a final permit to allow movement of Mt direct from commercial partners to its NC facility pending a routine inspection of containment conditions scheduled now for July 31. In the interim, SePRO will work with USDA and the Army Corps to evaluate new batches at the laboratory scale. The final approval process for all of these permits did require multiple additional communications and information submissions to USDA during the most recent reporting quarter. Additional contractual arrangements were also finalized in the last quarter between USDA, SePRO and the commercial partners to immediately initiate pilot production. With permits in hand and contractual matters resolved, the two commercial partners were able to begin pilot production in late June. Looking ahead briefly to the coming quarter, a 500-L pilot test batch of liquid Mt bioherbicide was produced by one commercial partner and applied to an Osceola County hydrilla pond on July 14. A 100-lb test batch of dry Mt produced using the alternative fermentation protocol has just been completed and will be applied to an Osceola County pond during the first week of August.
Per #3 above, SePRO field staff spent the latter half of the last reporting quarter conducting some limited copper herbicide work to maintain current test ponds in a condition as suitable as possible for summer testing of these initial commercial pilot materials. While the regulatory delays pushed applications of new materials into a less favorable summer window, efforts to keep hydrilla from becoming topped-out in test ponds have for the most part been successful. A handful of alternate pond locations in Osceola County were also investigated in the last quarter for potential inclusion in the demonstration program, but these locations were deemed inappropriate either due to high potential for runoff into natural areas or in-process hydrilla control with chemical herbicides. In the upcoming quarter, a search for 1 or 2 additional test ponds will continue to use either as untreated reference locations or additional test replicates for Mt application.
Per #4, the project team did participate actively in the Osceola Field Day event on June 4. Poster displays, handouts, and hands-on samples of Mt bioherbicide were developed for the event, which appeared to be a great success in public education about the grant and its activities. A couple of photos from the event are included below.
Mt Project Component Booth
Osceola County’s Eleanor Foerste and Stacia Hetrick providing information regarding the grant and the day’s activities.
- What Milestones have been met for your Element?
As of the very end of this reporting quarter and entering the start of FY09 Q4, the milestone of producing Mt bioherbicide at a commercial pilot scale has been achieved. Two different formulations of Mt bioherbicide—a liquid and a dry formulation—have been produced at the pilot scale by commercial fermentation partners as of the writing of this report. The initial evaluation of these commercial pilot materials in aquarium mesocosms and in small field demonstrations in Osceola County will be the primary focus of the project team in the coming quarter.
- Were there any significant problems encountered?
Until late spring, there continued to be a problem with delay in USDA-APHIS permits for commercial fermentation partners.
- If so, what measures were taken to correct the problem?
As indicated above, SePRO and USDA issued multiple communications to APHIS to assist final approval of commercial partner permits, and the permits were final issued in late May and late June.
- Is the project work on schedule?
- This quarter?
As indicated in past reports, initiation of commercial pilot production and scale-up of demonstration treatments to operationally realistic scales has been delayed. However, commercial pilot production is underway and if late summer evaluations at the lab and field level are successful, efforts to pursue regulatory actions for expanded field evaluations will be pursued in an expedited manner.
- For the project?
Overall, the project timeline, which ultimately is attempting demonstration of a commercially cost-effective Mt bioherbicide material that can then be EPA-registered for bioherbicidal use on hydrilla, is delayed by approximately one year at this time. The original grant workplan called for initiation of registration studies at the beginning of FY08Q4. A positive outcome of current pilot production testing would lead to a decision to initiate such studies in the upcoming FY09Q4.
- If the project is not on schedule, what is proposed for a revised schedule?
Following up on the comments above, the following revision to component work schedule is proposed:
- Registration studies initiated – late FY09 Q4/ early FY10 Q1.
- Expanded field demonstrations including full operational demonstrations (50 acres+) would also be pursued from a regulatory perspective in FY09 Q4 with field treatments initiated in early 2010 and continued through the 2010 field season.
- Final EPA registration package would be submitted by the end of FY10 Q3.
- Does the new schedule require a time extension?
A no-cost extension would be needed beyond the final funding year of the grant. Completion of revised work schedule, including final assessments of 2010 operational demonstrations, and full reporting of all FY2010 results would likely not be achievable by the end of FY2010.
- Are there any significant findings this quarter?
Mt bioherbicide can be successfully produced at the pilot commercial scale using two different fermentation protocols initially evaluated by USDA and SePRO project scientists.
- What is the future direction of the work?
Laboratory mesocosm evaluations and small-scale field demonstrations of new pilot bioherbicide materials to expedite decision on final commercialization of Mt bioherbicide and expansion of field demonstration to operational scales in Osceola County.
- 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: Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2009 April 1 – June 30, 2009
Person Reporting: James P. Cuda
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?
Element 3, Task 2: Milestones:
Previous reports announced our arthropod collecting trip to India in September, 2008. This report summarizes some key findings from the trip. During the trip, our search for natural enemies was restricted to only two states in the northeastern part of India, Assam and West Bengal (Fig. 4). Each survey site was assigned a unique accession number and the following data were recorded: date, time spent searching, site coordinates, altitude, temperature, brief description of the habitat, plant growth characteristics, and natural enemies found. Several sampling methods, e.g. hand searching, sweep net sampling, Berlese funnel extraction and dissection of damaged plant parts were used to collect arthropod natural enemies. Arthropods collected during this trip were preserved using standard techniques for each group. The specimens collected were assigned a unique accession number and were sent to cooperating systematic entomologists for positive identification.
Several promising insects were collected during these surveys. One of these insects was a defoliating caterpillar of the butterfly Precis alamana L. (=Junonia alamana) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) (Dr. Jacqueline Y. Miller pers. comm.) (Figs. 5.1, 5.2). The common name of this butterfly is ‘Peacock Pansy’ and it is widely distributed throughout India. It is usually observed in association with freshwater marshes and is known to feed on Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach.) Heine (Family: Acanthaceae), which is a congener of H. polysperma. Our preliminary host range studies in India revealed Berleria cristata L. (Family: Acanthaceae) as an unsuitable host of this insect. The adult butterfly is particularly fond of fragrant flowers as nectar sources. The larva is smoky black in color with an orange neck, and covered with whitish hairs and black spines (Fig.5.2). The adult butterfly (Fig. 5.1) is light orangish brown in color with a wing span of ~ 4–5 cm.
Another insect (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (Figs. 6.1, 6.2) also was observed completely defoliating emerged hygrophila plants. The semilooper larva is light greenish in color with a reddish brown dorsal stripe (Fig. 6.2). The adult moth is brown in color with a wing span of 1.5-2 cm (Fig. 6.1). This insect was collected at most sites in Assam and West Bengal. Preliminary host range studies revealed that this larva also feeds on Hygrophila auriculata.
During this survey, we also collected one aquatic leaf cutting moth (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) (Figs. 7.1, 7.2). Similar to our native Synclita obliteralis Walker, the larva (Fig. 7.2) was found to feed on submerged leaves of hygrophila plants by living between two leaves.
A promising leaf mining beetle, Trachys sp. (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) (Figs. 8.1, 8.2) was collected during the surveys. The genus Trachys contains more than 600 species and is in need of taxonomic revision (Charles L Bellamy, pers. comm.). The genus occurs throughout the entire Palaearctic region east throughout all of Asia and Africa and at least one species occurs in Australia. The larva (Fig. 8.2) was found mining inside the leaf laminae and completes its life cycle within a single hygrophila leaf. This beetle was collected on hygrophila both from Assam and West Bengal.
During this survey, we also collected nematode fauna associated with hygrophila roots. Two core samples each 785 cm3 (10 cm dia x 10 cm height) containing moist soil with roots of hygrophila were collected at ~5 m intervals from each sampling site. In total, we collected 42 samples during this trip. Nematodes were extracted from each sample within 7 days from the date of collection. Extraction and identification of plant parasitic nematodes was performed at the Nematology laboratory of Dr. M. R. Khan, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India, following standard laboratory protocols. In this study, our objective was to determine if plant parasitic nematodes attacked hygrophila and if they had biocontrol potential. Results indicated that although many common plant parasitic nematodes were found to be associated with hygrophila roots, many of them are important crop pests and have no biological control potential. Our findings, however, constitute the first record of nematodes associated with this aquatic invasive weed. The plant parasitic nematode fauna associated with hygrophila roots along with their known host range is shown in Table 1.
- What Milestones have been met for your Element?
- Established collaboration with overseas partners
- Catalogued herbaria and literature records of hygrophila
- Identified extant populations of hygrophila in India
- Collected hygrophila in India and Florida for molecular studies
- Collected and reared several natural enemies from hygrophila in India
- Conducted preliminary host range studies with several natural enemies in India
- Were there any significant problems encountered? No
- Is the project work on schedule?
- This quarter? Yes
- For the project? Yes
- Are there any significant findings this quarter? Yes.
- This quarter, several promising insects were identified from those collected during September, 2008 exploratory surveys for natural enemies of hygrophila in the northeastern part of India.
- Results indicate that although many common plant parasitic nematodes were found to be associated with hygrophila roots, many of them are important crop pests and have no biological control potential. Our findings, however, constitute the first record of nematodes associated with this aquatic invasive weed.
- What is the future direction of the work?
Conducting additional field surveys in September through December 2009.
- 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: Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2009 April 1 – June 30, 2009
Person Reporting: Willam A. Overholt
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?
Colonization studies of Polypedilum species
Based on earlier reports of suspected herbivory on Hydrilla by Polypedilum dewulfi and Polypedilum wittei (Pemberton 1980, Markham 1985) efforts to colonize these species were initiated in Burundi. Polypedilum dewulfi was never reared from Hydrilla collected in Uganda lakes (one specimen from Lake Bunyonyi needs confirmation) and P. wittei densities were always very low. However, northern areas of Lake Tanganyika were identified with Hydrilla populations that produced the highest numbers of both species found during the study. Although neither species was very abundant, P. dewulfi occurred in large enough numbers (up to 135 individuals per rearing bucket) at certain times of the year to attempt colonization. Polypedilum wittei populations were not as high (maximum 64 per bucket). Two approaches to establishing colonies were taken.
- Adults reared from field-collected Hydrilla were knocked down with CO2 gas, sorted and Polypedilum were released into large emergence cages, one indoors under a 12/12 light/dark cycle and the other outdoors. Each cage contained an aquarium with a thriving Hydrilla culture. Growing tips of aquarium Hydrilla were periodically examined for evidence of Polypedilum infestation and the cages examined for increases in chironomid populations.
- A second approach was taken because observing chironomid behavior in the larger cages (built to maximize the chances of mating) proved impossible. A smaller, Plexiglas cage without a bottom was constructed. The cage was lowered over two buckets, one with filtered lake water and freshly-collected Hydrilla, and the other with filtered lake water and clean Hydrilla from laboratory cultures. As in the larger cages, water in all Hydrilla rearing-vessels was aerated. After one month, the bucket with field-collected Hydrilla was removed from the cage. The cage was inverted and chironomid adults aspirated for identification, after which the cage was again lowered over the bucket with clean Hydrilla. The cage was then observed for evidence of emerging adults, and stems of Hydrilla were periodically removed and examined for evidence of damage to growing tips.
To date, no evidence of long-term survival or reproductive success has been seen for Polypedilum adults introduced into large colonization cages. Observations suggested that reared Chironomidae were negatively affected by exposure to CO2. Subsequently, this treatment was stopped and reared adults of mixed species were released directly into the colony cages. Nonetheless, adult flies have not been seen during walk-in inspections of the cages. To date, there has been no success in attempts to colonize chironomid species. Trials with the smaller Plexiglas cage containing two rearing buckets have just commenced and results are not ready for reporting.
Plant inspections
Hydrilla was collected from two locations in Burundi; Circle Nautique and Saga Vodo on eight occasions in 2007, and in Uganda, a sample of approximately 130 Hydrilla stems was examined for each of five different collections made in Lake Bisina in 2008. A collection of Hydrilla from Lake Kyoga, Uganda was examined in January, 2009.
Plant samples were transported to the laboratory in water from the location of collection, and sorted to remove any non-hydrilla plants or plant parts. Hydrilla stems were haphazardly selected from the sample and inspected under a dissecting microscope to determine the location of chironomid larvae, and to try and assess whether they were feeding on plant material. A portion of the larvae found on stems were preserved for identification, while others were reared in test tubes with hydrilla.
Burundi: Chironomid larvae were found on the majority of plant stems inspected. In total, 837 larvae were recovered from 449 stems, for an average of nearly 2 larvae/stem (Table 2). A sub-sample of 462 larvae was identified to at least genus. Of these, nearly 75% were Dicrotendipes fusconotatus, a species known to be a scraper. Polypedilum dewulfi, thought to be a tip borer of hydrilla in previous studies (Pemberton, 1980, Markham 1985, Bennet and Buckingham 2000), represented about 8% of the larvae (Table 3). No larvae were found associated with clear evidence of plant feeding, and the P. dewulfi were not found boring in tips, suggesting that they are not herbivores of hydrilla.
An attempt was made to rear some of the recovered larvae adulthood. A total of 69 larvae on pieces of plant stems (~8-10 cm) were placed individually in test tubes with water. From these larvae, only 7 chironomids completed development; 4 Chironomini sp. 1, 2 Dicrotendipes fusconotatus and 1 Kiefferulus brevipalpis.
Uganda: A total of 673 stem tips were dissected from Lake Bisina, Uganda. There were no signs of insect herbivory, including stem-boring in any of the examined tips, although many stems (253, 38%) had cleanly broken tips. Forty-eight larvae (0.07 larvae/stem tip) were observed on the plant surface. A collection of Hydrilla from Lake Kyoga, Uganda was examined in January 2009. Of 169 stems, no evidence of stem-boring or other forms of insect herbivory was observed.
Geographical distribution of Chironomidae
Knowledge of the geographical distribution of chironomids in Africa is, perhaps, more poorly documented than for any other region. The most recent summary is provided by Freeman & Cranston (1980), and since then records appear sporadically associated with individual studies. For Burundi, virtually nothing was known, collections being rarely made in the country and published data (Eggermont & Verschurren 2003a,b,c and Eggermont et al. [all for Lake Tanganyika, various sites]; Theunissen 1993, Lake Tanganyika, near Bujumbura) focus completely on larvae. For most of these, identifications can be made only to the level of genus. More is known about the Ugandan fauna, but even here relatively little has been published. Although our study was not designed as a survey, and focused primarily on Hydrilla-associated insects from specific lakes, the data we collected expands greatly the number of country records of Chironomidae from both Uganda and Burundi, and adds significantly to the known ranges of the species we reared. Twenty-two (96%) of the species that we reared from Lake Tanganyika represent new collection records for Burundi. For Uganda, these figures were 20 (50%). Fifteen of the chironomid species were common to both countries, 9 were reared only from Lake Tanganyika in Burundi, and 24 were reared only from lakes in Uganda. Within Uganda there was some evidence of differences in chironomid fauna associated with Hydrocharitaceae between two eastern mid-altitude lakes (Bisina and Victoria) and two western high-altitude lakes (Mutanda and Bunyonyi). Six of the chironomid species we reared were restricted to western lakes while 16 were found only in eastern lakes.
Prospects for biological control of Hydrilla by African Chironomidae.
Our study uncovered no evidence that herbivorous Chironomidae feed on Hydrilla in East African lakes. In contrast to the reports of Pemberton (1980) and Markham (1985), we saw no evidence of stem boring by chironomid larvae thought to be caused by Polyedilum dewulfi or P. wittei. Our observations showed that larvae were often conspicuous on stems and leaves but always on the surface of the plant, often moving in and out of webbed, tunnel-like enclosures with which frass was commonly associated. Although we saw evidence of damage to Hydrilla, and often at growing tips, it was impossible to ascribe this damage to the effects of feeding insects. Damage was nearly always manifested as a stem broken off cleanly, usually at a leaf whorl, and consistent with mechanical breakage due to wave action during storms or high winds or to the action of herbivorous fish. If chironomids do bore in Hydrilla stems, the frequency of herbivory (undetected by us) is too low to have any appreciable effect on plant populations.
Other evidence suggests that African chironomids have low, or no, potential as biological control agents of Hydrilla. In none of the lakes we sampled did Polypedilum species occur in large numbers. Only a single specimen of Polypedilum dewulfi was reared from Ugandan lakes (Lake Bunyonyi), and this record should be reconfirmed. It was never reared from Hydrilla or other sub-aquatic plants in Lake Bisina in Uganda. This species was the most commonly reared Polypedilum species from Hydrilla collected in Lake Tanganyika in Burundi but population peaks were seasonal and never exceptionally high with a maximum of 135 adults/40 L container of Hydrilla (= 0.46 kg dry plant weight), or 293 adults/kg dry wt. It is reasonable to expect that a candidate biocontrol agent with high host specificity would occur in larger numbers. In contrast, the yield of the grazer Dicrotendipes fusconotatus from the same collection was 10,339 individuals, or 22.476 adults/kg dry wt. Polypedilum wittei occurred in both countries but yields of this species were even lower than those of P. dewulfi.
Speke’s mid-19th century collection of Hydrilla from the Nile River in central Uganda and the fact that Hydrilla is never a pest in eastern Africa, suggested that this region was an area of Hydrilla endemicity. However, the genetic data presented in this report and the apparent absence of insect herbivores on African Hydrilla, in contrast to East Asian populations, suggests strongly that it is a relatively recent introduction. In the lakes we sampled, Hydrilla rarely grew to the surface. But this may be due to environmental factors independent of herbivory. The high transparency of many East African lakes allows light to penetrate deeply (we sampled Hydrilla at ca. 10m depth in Lake Tanganyika) and Hydrilla may simply not need to grow at or near to the surface. Based on the results seen so far in this study we conclude that future exploration for natural enemies to Hydrilla be conducted in areas other than Africa.
Genetic characterization of Hydrilla verticillata
Genetic diversity and population structure of hydrilla in the southern U.S. Leaf tissue samples were collected from the tips of 262 individuals from across Florida, 42 samples from Texas and nine samples from a lake in Louisiana. Samples were screened at eight microsatellite loci on 313 individuals from the United States.
Our data suggest that a single clone of the dioecious biotype of hydrilla was introduced into Florida 50 years ago and has spread throughout Florida and the southern United States. Our microsatellite data revealed a surprising level of genetic variability in the southern U.S. Out of 313 samples collected from across Florida and Texas there were 151 unique genotypes. Nei’s genetic diversity was 0.98 which can be interpreted as the probability that two individuals drawn at random will have different genotypes. We then allowed for a low level of genotyping error in our calculations and this resulted in 70 unique genotypes which results in a Nei’s diversity index of 0.88. Our data suggest that this genetic variation is not generated by sexual recombination. Somatic mutation (arising during vegetative growth) and variable ploidy levels (triploids and tetraploids) appear to be the main reasons hydrilla has high variability at microsatellite loci. Genetic diversity was always significantly less than expected under sexual recombination given the observed distribution of genetic variation and there was no evidence of a bimodal distribution of pair-wise individual genetic differences as expected under sexual recombination. The nature of the genotypic variation (low frequency alleles distributed one to four repeat lengths away from very common alleles), suggests that somatic mutation which is following the step-wise mutation model for microsatellite loci is generating most of the genetic diversity we detected. Patterns of spatial autocorrelation were also consistent with a pattern of vegetative spread with individual samples being more similar to each other than expected at random for the shortest distance classes. The short distance positive autocorrelation suggests that somatic mutations arising in a particular water body are more likely to be dispersed to nearby water bodies than very far away. Invasive clonal species such as hydrilla may ultimately prove to be as adaptable as sexually reproducing species because individual clones effectively produce their own variation through mutation and variable ploidy levels. Our study also suggests that variable resistance levels to fluridone are not due to sexual recombination.
- What Milestones have been met for your Element?
Milestone 1: Agreements/permits in place with African collaborators. Achieved in 2007.
Milestone 2: Database and maps of hydrilla distribution produced. Achieved in 2007/08.
Milestone 3: Genetic studies on hydrilla. Nearly achieved, 2009. Analysis of nuclear DNA of worldwide collections of hydrilla to be completed.
Milestone 4: Checklist of insects reared from hydrilla. Achieved, 2009.
Milestone 5: Laboratory colonization of at least one hydrilla herbivore. Not achieved and it seems unlikely that we will be successful as we have no evidence that insect herbivores of hydrilla occur in the lakes we are sampling in Uganda and Burundi.
Milestone 6: Permits acquired to import one insect herbivore. Not achieved as no insect herbivores have been identified.
- Were there any significant problems encountered?
Not really. It is disappointing that no clear evidence of insect herbivory has been found after 3 years, but that’s why we did the research.
- Is the project work on schedule? Yes
- This quarter? Yes
- For the project? Yes
- Are there any significant findings this quarter?
Hydrilla genetics: Examination of 8 nuclear microsatellites revealed a surprising amount of genetic diversity in Florida, which we believe is the result of somatic mutations. Our data suggest that a single clone of hydrilla was introduced into Florida 50 years ago and has spread throughout Florida and the southern United States.
Role of fish in regulation of hydrilla in Africa: In the first quarter of this year we attempted to set up and conduct a fish exclusion experiment in Lake Bisina, Uganda to test the hypothesis that fish were regulating hydrilla in Africa. That attempt failed when the cages were destroyed during a storm. We installed new cages in April, and so far, they have remained in place. The first sampling of the cages one month after their installation suggests that fish herbivory may be important, but it is too early to make definitive conclusions.
- What is the future direction of the work?
- Complete the fish exclusion study in Lake Bisina, Uganda
- Continue attempts to colonize Polypedilum wittei and/or P. dewulfi
- Complete genetic studies
- Prepare and submit manuscripts for publication.
- 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: Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2009 April 1 – June 30, 2009
Person Reporting: Stacia Hetrick, UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension
Karen Brown, Beth Hathaway and Amy Richard, 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?
Meetings:
- Attended a variety of meetings including:
- Osceola County Lakes Management Advisory Committee
- Natural Resources Advisory Committee Meetings for the Extension Office
- Central Florida Lakes Management Society (CFLMS) Meeting
- Attended the University of Florida Aquatic Weed Short Course as an invited moderator.
- Attended the Osceola County Lakes Management Advisory Committee Workshop for the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners.
- Assisting in the planning of the Central Florida Lakes Management Society (CFLMS) meeting that Osceola County is hosting in August.
Presentations/Exhibits:
- Conducted the 2009 Hydrilla Field Day with 112 attendees (see Task 1, Year 3 below).
- Attended the 2009 Florida Lakes Management Society Conference as an invited Moderator and moderated two sessions and gave two presentations (see Task 7 for presentation details).
- Presented at the 2009 Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Symposium (see Task 7 for presentation details).
- Appeared on a TV spot for the Good Samaritan Village, which is a retirement community in Osceola County. The TV spot included an interview about hydrilla and the Demonstration Project. The interview was broadcast on a local channel for residents of the community.
- Prepared and delivered presentation to the Osceola County Master Gardeners titled “Green isn’t always good: What’s being done to control hydrilla.” Prepared and delivered a presentation titled “Hydrilla: Help stop the spread!” to various community groups including Kissimmee West Rotary, Kissimmee Rotary, and Kissimmee Bay Rotary Clubs.
- Prepared and delivered a presentation titled “Hydrilla and Hygrophila Demonstration Project” as an invited speaker for the University of Florida Colloquium on Pest Plants of Regulatory Significance.
- Presented a poster at the 2009 Central District Extension Faculty Symposium (title below).
- Displayed informational exhibits at various events including the Osceola Airboat Jamboree, Deerwood Elementary School’s Nature Night, and the Reedy Creek Improvement District’s Environmental Expo, which is an educational event for their employees (see pictures below). I provided information on aquatic weeds and exotic animals and how to prevent their spread. Themes: “Help Stop the Spread of Aquatic Weeds” and “Don’t Release Your Pets… Including Plants!”
- Submitted an abstract for consideration for presentations at the 2009 NALMS (National Lakes Management Society) International Symposium and the 2010 ANREP (Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals) conference.
- Invited to give a presentation at the Central Florida Lakes Management Society (CFLMS) meeting in August.
Exhibit at the RCID Environmental Expo
Exhibit at the Osceola Airboat Jamboree
Field Activities:
- Assisted FWC in conducting water quality monitoring for the Florida LAKEWATCH program on several lakes in Osceola County.
- Participated in the East Lake Cleanup event sponsored by the Lakes Management Advisory Committee. The event was featured on the front page of the Osceola News-Gazette and is available to view at
http://osceolanews.the72dpisite.com/main.asp?sectionid=1&subsectionid=485.
- Toured Shingle Creek to find populations of hygrophila in Osceola County. Continue to survey and tour the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes to keep up to date on the status of hydrilla and hygrophila growth and spread, as well as note problem areas and areas of residential concern.
Miscellaneous:
- Won a first place FANREP Award for Outstanding Educational Materials for the Demonstration Project website. FANREP is the Florida Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals.
- Won a second place FANREP Award for Outstanding Educational Materials for the 2009 Osceola County Fair Exhibit- Theme ‘Help Save our Lakes.’
- Submitted an application for an ANREP Award for the project website. ANREP is the national version of FANREP.
- Assisted in advertising for and hiring the new Senior Biologist, Dean Jones.
- Attended required University IFAS New Faculty Orientation.
- Attended the Center of Aquatic and Invasive Plant’s (CAIP’s) annual Plant Camp in Gainesville in order to observe and prepare for the Osceola County Invasive Aquatic Plant Teacher Training (aka CSI Osceola). Plant Camp is a training that is similar to CSI Osceola except upland invasive plants are included.
- Designated to serve as local coordinator for Osceola County for the 'Don't Release Your Pets' campaign which is a statewide campaign initiated by extension faculty. As coordinator, I informed local pet and fish stores about the problems caused by releasing aquarium plants and pets and alternatives that they can suggest to their customers. I provided them with educational materials to give to their customers.
- Met with the City of Kissimmee grant specialist concerning a grant that they may apply for concerning aquatic weeds.
- What Milestones have been met for your Element?
Task 1, Year 3 – 3rd Quarter
Demonstration field days and media events to keep stakeholders informed on the progress of hydrilla and hygrophila management work.
The 2009 Hydrilla Field Day was held on June 4, 2009 with 112 attendees (see pictures below). The event was postponed from the original date due to adverse weather conditions. The attendees included elected officials, agency personnel, industry professionals, environmental interests and the public. Throughout the day, the attendees rotated between exhibits and the boat tour where they toured demonstration areas and hydrilla infestations on Lake Tohopekaliga. There was much support from FWC in planning the event and providing the use of their airboat. Dr. Mike Netherland and Ed Harris of FWC served as guides for the lake tours. Each element coordinator displayed an educational poster/exhibit about their part of the project (see Task 7 below for titles). In addition, 6 other displays were included and are listed below with the names of those that were involved:
- Florida LAKEWATCH program- University of Florida and Master Gardener volunteer
- Snail kite issues- US Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Service (FWC), and University of Florida researchers
- Nutrient runoff reduction- Osceola County Stormwater and NPDES Programs
- Osceola County Lakes Management- Osceola County Lakes Manager
- Local Aquatic Plant Management program- South Florida Water Management District
- ‘Don’t Release Your Pets… including Plants!’- Stacia Hetrick and Master Gardener volunteer
Amy Richard and Rob Horsburgh provided an outdoor display booth at the event. The display featured photographs and information about outreach services provided by CAIP. In addition, Amy and Rob gave a 20-minute presentation to each group as they rotated through the various booths at the event. Amy gave a 10-minute presentation about CAIP’s role in this project with special emphasis on the education initiative and the efforts taken to partner with educators in Osceola County. Samples of the various materials developed by CAIP were made available for participants to look through. Rob Horsburgh assembled a plant display that included both live plants and artificial aquatic plants, which were used for a hands-on plant ID activity.
Additional copies of the project brochures were provided by the CAIP office for use at the event.
Introduction at the Field Day.
Osceola County Commissioner Harford, Eleanor Foerste, Osceola County Commissioner Arrington, and Stacia Hetrick at the Field Day.
Dr. Netherland leading the boat tour with topped out hydrilla in the background.
Dr. Heilman and Chuck Seacrist giving a presentation at the Field Day
Task 2, Year 3 – 3rd Quarter
An interactive website will keep citizens/agencies informed of the various stages of research and allow citizens to communicate directly with researchers and county officials with questions and/or concerns.
According to Google Analytics, the website had 427 visits with 571 page views during this 3rd quarter of Year 3.
The following new web pages were created:
- “Lake Bisina Expedition”: April 5-9, 2009 by Dr. Bill Overholt (http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/osceola/lake_bisina_expedition.html)
- “Plant Species Found in Osceola County”
http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/osceola/regional_plants.html) listing native and non-native aquatic plants found in Osceola county, with links to Plant Info & Images pages on the CAIP web site.
Edits to the web site include:
- Altered template files, adding javascript expanding/retracting menu items to better organize links and content
- Restructured left menu bar, reorganizing and rewriting content
- Restructured and reorganized “Publications” page, adding more than 20 new publications (http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/osceola/publications.html)
Task 3, Year 3 – 3rd Quarter
Database development.
Citations from the APIRS database (i.e., information on hydrilla and hygrophila control) are available online for citizens and researchers in Osceola County, and new citations are added as they are received (http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/osceola/search_strings.html). Copies of most publications are available from the CAIP Information office.
Task 4, Year 3 – 3rd Quarter
Develop portable Aquatic Plant Management Displays/ Kiosks that can be used for local events such as the County Fair, Earth Day, Great Outdoors Days, scientific conferences and at various public areas such as boat ramps, parks, libraries and county offices.
Plan for individual kiosk panel template (i.e., for boat ramps):
- The size of the display panels is now in the process of being changed to 24” W x 36” H and will be in a VERTICAL format. The challenge is to include content from a horizontal template design and combine them into one vertical format. The first draft of this new vertical format design is anticipated by mid-July.
Task 5, Year 3 – 3rd Quarter
Development of interactive science curricula for Osceola County teachers.
- In the 2nd Quarter report, Amy Richard described plans to collaborate with Amy Johnson-Henson and Judy McDonald, from the Narcoossee Community School, to test the feasibility of working with students to produce digital video Public Service Announcements about invasive plants. On May 19th and 20th the teachers corresponded with Stacia Hetrick to say they had run out of time and would not be able to try the video project this year. However, they did provide information about using the aquatic invasive plant curricula in the classroom and the successes and difficulties associated with various activities. One teacher did have her students make recordings or “commercials” about specific invasive plants but was disappointed with the result and felt her recording skills may have adversely affected the end product, as well as the students’ reluctance to put much effort into them. Amy Richard is trying to obtain copies of these short video segments to analyze them and see if there is anything CAIP staff could do to provide a more positive experience next time. (Correspondence available upon request.)
- Amy Richard and Rob Horsburgh (CAIP) assembled materials in preparation for the CSI-OSCEOLA Invasive Plant workshop for teachers (July 7-10, 2009) including teacher kits/curricula notebooks, Freshwater Plant BINGO!, Freshwater Plant Jigsaw Puzzle activities, photo mural sets, etc. A complete Hydrilla Game kit has been assembled for use during the workshop along with a loaner kit that will be available from UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension for Osceola teachers to borrow.
- Details about the July workshop will be presented in the 4th Quarter Report.
Task 6, Year 3 – 3rd Quarter
Development of additional demonstration and outreach strategies.
A proposal was submitted for additional funding for the development of an on-line student “film festival” of public service announcements about hydrilla and hygrophila. The purpose of this project would be twofold: to provide educators with an alternative tool for assessing student retention of information about non-native, invasive plants and animals in Florida AND to draw public attention to the subject of invasive plants in Osceola County through the use of a popular “viral marketing” technique. Note: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency just launched a similar outreach effort about water quality:
http://www.epa.gov/owow/videocontest.html .
This would be accomplished by first showing teachers how rewarding (and fun) it can be to create a new media “phenomenon” in the classroom, school and community. To achieve this goal, CAIP staff developed a template that could be used for assembling the various components of these short digital video productions. A demonstration project has been developed to be tested at the July teacher workshop.
Task 7, Year 2 – 3rd Quarter
One paper and one poster per year to share research progress and management technology, to be published on EDIS and presented at meetings.
- Oral Presentations at Professional Meetings: (Other community presentations for this quarter are listed under Element 4 Project activities during reporting period)
Hetrick, S.A. and K. Lawrence. 2009. Status of the demonstration project on hydrilla and hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Presented at the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council 24th Annual Symposium held in Delray Beach, FL, 26-29 May.
Hetrick, S.A. 2009. Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Presented at the 20th Annual Florida Lakes Management Society Conference held in Key Largo, FL, 8-11 June.
Mukherjee A., C.A. Ellison, M.R. Khan, J.P. Cuda. 2009. Exploratory Surveys in India for Natural Enemies of Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) T. Anders: Preliminary Results. Presented at the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council 24th Annual Symposium held in Delray Beach, FL, 26-29 May.
Overholt, W.A., R. Copeland, D. Williams, J. Cuda, B. Gidudu, B. Nzigidahera, and S. Hetrick. 2009. Hydrilla in Africa: A fishy story. Presented at the 20th Annual Florida Lakes Management Society Conference held in Key Largo, FL, 8-11 June. (Stacia Hetrick delivered presentation on behalf of Dr. Overholt).
Overholt, W.A,. R. Copeland, D. Williams, J. Cuda, B. Gidudu, and B. Nzigidahera. 2009. Exploration for natural enemies of Hydrilla verticillata in Africa: A fishy story. Presented at the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council 24th Annual Symposium held in Delray Beach, FL, 26-29 May.
Netherland, M.D. 2009. Challenges Associated with the Use of Herbicides for Submersed Plant Control. Presented at the 20th Annual Florida Lakes Management Society Conference held in Key Largo, FL, 8-11 June.
- Poster Presentations at Professional Meetings:
Hetrick, S.A. 2009. Hydrilla and Hygrophila Demonstration Project. 2009 Central District Extension Faculty Symposium held in East Palatka, FL, 28 April. Abstract available online at http://district3.extension.ifas.ufl.edu/2009_Symposium.pdf.
Poster Presentations at 2009 Hydrilla Field Day:
Haller, W.T. and A. Puri. 2009. Development and Testing of New Aquatic Herbicides. Presented at the 2009 Field Day for the Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila, Kissimmee, FL, 4 June.
Heilman, M.A. Mycoleptodiscus terrestris (Mt) Potential Aquatic Bioherbicide for Control of Hydrilla in Osceola County, Florida. Presented at the 2009 Field Day for the Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila, Kissimmee, FL, 4 June.
Jackson, M.A., C.A. Dunlap, J.F. Shearer, and M.A. Heilman. 2009. Pilot-scale Production and Stabilization of Microsclerotia of the Potential Mycoherbicide Mycoleptodiscus terrestris using Deep-tank Fermentation and Air-drying. Presented at the 2009 Field Day for the Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila, Kissimmee, FL, 4 June. (Dr. Heilman presented this poster at the Field Day).
Mukherjee A., C.A. Ellison, M.R. Khan, J.P. Cuda. 2009. Biological Control of Hygrophila polysperma: Surveys for Natural Enemies in India. Presented at the 2009 Field Day for the Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila, Kissimmee, FL, 4 June.
Netherland, M.D., J. Slade, S. Berger. 2009. Element 2- Evaluation of Currently Registered Herbicides for control of Hydrilla and Hygrophila. Presented at the 2009 Field Day for the Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila, Kissimmee, FL, 4 June.
Overholt, W.A., D. Williams, R. Copeland, and J. Cuda. 2009. Genetic characterization of Hydrilla verticillata and exploration for natural enemies in East/Central Africa. Presented at the 2009 Field Day for the Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila, Kissimmee, FL, 4 June.
- Scientific Publications:
Mukherjee A., C.A. Ellison, M.R. Khan, J.P. Cuda. 2009. Exploratory Surveys in India for Natural Enemies of Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) T. Anders: Preliminary Results. Program Abstracts, Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council 24th Annual Symposium held in Delray Beach, FL, 26-29 May.
- Other Publications:
Hetrick, S.A. 2009. Help Preserve Florida- Don’t Release Unwanted Pets, Including Plants! Solutions for Your Life Newsletter, July, August, September. (Featured on first page). Available online at
http://osceola.ifas.ufl.edu/pdfs/OCE/JulyAugustSeptemberSinglePage.pdf
Hetrick, S.A. 2009. Hydrilla: The Perfect Aquatic Weed. Osceola News-Gazette. Available online at
http://aroundosceola.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3861&Itemid=10
- Were there any significant problems encountered? No
- Is the project work on schedule?
- This quarter? Yes, except the kiosk project. Due to revisions, the deadline for completion of the kiosk panels will need to be extended to the end of the 4th quarter (September). A revised draft version of the kiosk panel was delivered to Amy Richard on May 15 by the graphic designer. A second draft was delivered on May 18. However, after the delivery of these draft versions were made, it was discovered that the Osceola County Parks Department cannot provide a horizontal wooden structure for the kiosk panels; they are only allowed to build the traditional vertical structures at each boat ramp. This means the new design has to be retrofitted one last time to fit into a vertical format. Amy Richard (CAIP) is currently working with the graphic designer to make these adjustments to the overall design. A draft of the new format is anticipated by mid-July.
- For the project? Yes
- Is there a change in the key contacts for this element? No
