Restricted Research - Award List, Note/Discussion Page
Fiscal Year: 2023
387 Sam Houston State University (142275)
Principal Investigator: Williams, Justin K.
Total Amount of Contract, Award, or Gift (Annual before 2011): $ 38,995
Exceeds $250,000 (Is it flagged?): No
Start and End Dates: 9/1/22 - 8/31/23
Restricted Research: YES
Academic Discipline: Biology
Department, Center, School, or Institute: Department of Biology
Title of Contract, Award, or Gift: Texas Air Potato survey for Biological Control Agent Release Program
Name of Granting or Contracting Agency/Entity:
United States Department of Agriculture
CFDA Link: USDA
10.025
Program Title:
n/a
CFDA Linked: Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care
Note:
SAMs 1.1.1: The primary purpose of this agreement is to continue mitigation efforts, started in September 2021, through survey and the potential launch of a biological control program that targets the invasive Air Potato in the state of Texas. The Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) is an invasive perennial vine native to Asia, Africa, and the south Pacific Islands. Objectives: 1. Create a distribution model of Dioscorea bulbifera in Texas using site observations together with climatic and vegetative data. This model will be created using an algorithm created by Drs. Randle and Williams to monitor crop pests for the USDA. The model will be created in R. 2. Using the model built in the task above we will conduct an Air Potato survey to identify potential release sites for a biological control program. 3. Aid the USDA in a decision-making process for the release of the Air Potato leaf beetle (Lilioceris cheni) in infested areas. 4. Initiate a public education and outreach component designed to educate the public about the difference between the invasive Air Potato and similar native vines; gather information about the public’s perception of the establishment and spread of Air Potato, and the release of a biological control agent. 5. Create and execute a potential small scale monitor program for biological control agent release for the state of Texas.
Discussion: No discussion notes