Invasive Plant Lab to Research Aquatic Weeds

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today formally dedicated a quarantine research facility in Davie, Fla., dedicated to investigating solutions for south Florida's invasive weed and insect problems, including water hyacinth and giant salvinia.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today formally dedicated a quarantine research facility in Davie, Fla., dedicated to investigating solutions for south Florida's invasive weed and insect problems, including water hyacinth and giant salvinia.

"This new quarantine facility will provide scientists with an invaluable resource to aid them in cooperative efforts to contain invasive species that threaten the Everglades and other environmentally sensitive areas in south Florida," said Edward Knipling, administrator of the USDA's Agricultural Research Service.

In 2001, the U.S. Department of the Interior provided the Army Corps of Engineers $6.2 million to construct the new facility, which is located at the University of Florida's Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. The ARS will operate the new lab.

The ARS reports the laboratory is currently investigating potential biological control agents aimed at battling the two aquatic plants and various invasive terrestrial plants and an invasive insect.

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Invasive Plant Lab to Research Aquatic Weeds

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