Technical Report

J. D. Madsen, C. Abbott, R. Brown, L. Bruce, J. Byrd, E. Dibble, G. Ervin, J. Fowler, V. Maddox, D. McBride, D. Shaw, and R. Westbrooks, “Research to Support Integrated Management Systems of Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species,” Tech. Rep. GRI 5004, GeoResource Institute, Mississippi State University, May 2006.

• Abstract:
  Invasive species are an enormous problem for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the United States, degrading their biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide to our society. As a result, over the past decade federal and state agencies and nongovernmental organizations have begun to work more closely together to address it.

  While awareness of the problem is becoming more widespread, efforts to address the threat are often piecemeal and fragmented, and new tools to deal with the problems are needed. In particular, the states in the Mid-South Region (AL, AR, LA, MS, and TN) need assistance in developing additional capacity, expertise, and resources for addressing the invasive species problem.

  This report presents progress on a program of planned research, extension, and regional coordination for implementation by the GeoResources Institute (GRI) of Mississippi State University (MSU) in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

  We propose three areas of directed, peer-reviewed research to enhance the management of invasive species: aquatic invasive plants, terrestrial invasive plants, and the renegade biocontrol agent, cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum). Specific results and deliverables are proposed for each of the main tasks described below. Specialists in USGS and other entities that are providing information, perspective, and/or oversight for the project are identified as collaborators. The research addresses invasive species issues that are often complex and require long-term cooperation.

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