The invasive weed, purple loosestrife, was a major threat to NY wildlife refuges. But since beetles and weevils that feed exclusively on that purple loosestrife were released, it’s spread has been brought back in check. This wasn’t as easy as it sounds. A lot of background research is required to ensure such biological control, or “biocontrol,” is successful.
Some of this type of research will be presented this Thursday, October 7, 11:30 – 12:20 (Register Here) as the IPM Seminar Series continues with a presentation on the biocontrol effort of an invasive fern in Florida. Out guest presenter, Dr. Ellen Lake, a USDA researcher based at the Plant Research Laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will discuss her research on biological control agent hybridization, biotic resistance, apparent competition, and restoration.
Dr. Lake’s first experience with invasive plants involved battling thickets of multiflora rose in southeastern Pennsylvania. She then worked as a field assistant researching biological control of purple loosestrife and taught environmental education at the Brandywine and Red Clay Valley Associations. She then completed her Master’s and Ph.D. at the University of Delaware, where her graduate research focused on biological control of mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) and methods to integrate biological control, herbicide applications, and plantings of competitive native species to restore invaded sites. She joined the USDA ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory in 2012. Her current research focuses on biological control and integrated management of an invasive climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum). Ellen’s research interests include biological control, invasion biology, plant-arthropod interactions, parasitism, integrated pest management, and restoration ecology.
Click here to register
IPM Seminar, Thursday October 7, 2021. 11:30a-12:20p
Dr. Ellen Lake, USDA ARS Plant Research Laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“Weeding around the edges of the science of invasive plant management: Biological control agent hybridization, biotic resistance, apparent competition, and restoration.
- Agenda: 11:30 – 12:10 Presentation
- Q & A Session: 12:10 – 12: 20
- Virtual ‘meet and greet’ for those with special interest: 12:20 – 12:30
