Source: UNIV OF CONNECTICUT submitted to NRP
NEW ENGLAND CENTER FOR INVASIVE PLANTS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0218590
Grant No.
2009-38914-19786
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
2009-03400
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Aug 1, 2009
Project End Date
Jul 31, 2012
Grant Year
2009
Program Code
[YJ]- NE Center for Invasive Plants, CT, VT, and ME
Recipient Organization
UNIV OF CONNECTICUT
438 WHITNEY RD EXTENSION UNIT 1133
STORRS,CT 06269
Performing Department
Plant Science
Non Technical Summary
Invasive weeds are among the most serious threats to America's natural environment and agricultural productivity. They displace native species, contribute significantly to land degradation, and reduce farm and forest productivity. The US spends considerable time and money each year in combating invasive plant problems and protecting ecosystems and primary production on private and public land. The total damage caused by invasive plants to the U.S. economy is more than $35 billion per year. Although a large number of highly popular ornamental crops are invasive, banning their sales can have a huge negative impact on local and national economies. For example, invasive winged euonymus and Japanese barberry currently account for $15-20 million in annual sales in Connecticut alone. To address the serious problem of invasive plants, there is an urgent need for development of effective strategies to manage invasive plants. The New England Invasive Plant Center proposes to: 1) Develop sterile forms of highly popular invasive landscape plants, and to evaluate the performance of the gene deletor technology that may be used to address invasive problems of transgenic plants. 2) Assess the ecological impact of invasive plants and ecological evaluation of new sterile cultivars, and document and manage Japanese barberry in Wells Reserve and Acadia National Park. 3) Develop alternative native crops to replace exotic invasive ornamental plants. 4) Conduct public education and outreach to promote the use of non-invasive landscape plants. Effective strategies and technologies developed under this project can be used to reduce the economic and environmental impacts of noxious invasive ornamental plants to New England and to the nation as a whole. This project is therefore highly relevant to the missions of the USDA's Federal Administration Research Grants Program to improve the scientific foundations for the environment, bioenergy, agricultural biosecurity, and improved food quality and agricultural production. The New England Invasive Plant Center is in an outstanding position to perform the proposed research because of its faculty expertise and strengths in the areas of ornamental plant breeding, plant physiology and biotechnology, invasive plant ecology, and invasive plant public outreach and education.
Animal Health Component
10%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
70%
Applied
10%
Developmental
20%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2052420108075%
2052420107025%
Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
2420 - Noncrop plant research;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology; 1080 - Genetics;
Goals / Objectives
A. Development of sterile forms of invasive landscape plants, and field evaluation of the performance of the gene deletor technology that may be used to address invasive problems of transgenic plants. B. Assessment of the ecological impact of invasive plants and ecological evaluation of new sterile cultivars, and documentation and management of Berberis thunbergii in Wells Reserve and Acadia National Park. C. Development of alternative native crops to replace exotic invasive ornamental plants. D. Public education and outreach to promote the use of non-invasive landscape plants.
Project Methods
1) Development of non-invasive landscape plants. Method: The Center scientists will produce large numbers of sterile, non-invasive bush and Japanese barberry plants and conduct detailed laboratory and greenhouse characterizations and field evaluations to select the best varieties for commercialization once they are identified. Meanwhile, the Center will develop and evaluate sterile cultivars of additional invasive landscape crops. Outcome: In less than 5 years, the Center will release commercially-useful non-invasive forms of economically important burning bush and Japanese barberry. 2) Assessment of the ecological impact and spread of invasive plant species. Method: We will assess the invasive potential of existing cultivars of ornamental species in the trade. These data and those from the sterile plant and cultivar research are being used to develop predictive models of species invasiveness and their potential distribution and possible spread across the landscape. All these data, along with information on the species biology and ecology, are made available via interactive websites and outreach programs. The overarching goal of IPANE is to use its data and network of professionals and volunteer citizen scientists to develop an Early Detection and Rapid Response Network for New England. Outcome: A rigorous method for evaluating the invasive potential of plants and their projected spread across the New England landscape will be demonstrated and will enable informed decisions by our legislators and a wide array of stakeholders. 3) Development of alternative native crops. Method: The Center will improve, evaluate and recommend native crops that will be viable alternatives to existing invasive ornamentals. Outcome: A significant number of the existing sales of invasive ornamentals would switch over to native alternatives within 5 years. 4) Management of invasive Japanese barberry in Acadia National Park. Method: We will determine the extent and potential impact of invasive plants on Acadia National Park, and develop and implement a management plan. We will use intensive field studies to record new observations of Japanese barberry and confirm and update prior sighting data. We will differentiate the species and their subsequent hybrids. We will correlate growth and reproductive characteristics that lend to increased vigor in various ecosystems within the park. Outcome: Populations of more invasive hybrid Japanese barberry will be identified and characterized in Acadia National Park leading to more effective management practices. 5) Public education and outreach. Method: We will conduct outreach activities to increase public awareness of invasive plants. Also, educational outreach will be conducted to inform the horticulture industry, other stakeholders, and the public about sterile cultivars of invasive ornamental plants and native plant varieties to promote their use. Outcome: Consumers will demand non-invasive characteristics in the plants they purchase. The industry will accept and sell the new non-invasive ornamentals developed by the Center. Local eradication efforts will combine to result in a decline in new invasives.

Progress 08/01/09 to 07/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: We produced 12 triploid Burning bush (Euonymus alata) plant lines. Triploid burning bush plants are being propagated for further evaluation for their fertility and field performance. We produced tetraploid Crimson Pygmy barberry and tetraploid barberry seedlings with yellow, green and purple foliage color were continued in evaluation trials to confirm degree of fertility. Several genotypes continue to appear to be sterile or have very reduced fertility. Evaluation of aronia germplasm continued and a minimum of 4 genotypes were selected for introduction with a range of superior ornamental traits. Effective propagation methods were developed for the native shrub sweetfern. We constructed field and laboratory research and public outreach/education on invasive plants and alternative plants. We also conducted a survey of the Maine Landscape and Nursery Industry to identify industry views on invasive plant issues, attitudes towards potential regulation, and to estimate the potential economic costs of banning the sale of specific invasive plant species in Maine. We held several Invasive Plant Education sessions for the green industry members, students, professional colleagues, and Maine home gardeners. We completed analysis on genetic and phenotypic variation in populations of Japanese barberry and oriental bittersweet in native and invasive ranges and have a manuscript prepared to be submitted for publication. We also completed the analysis of demographic variation in a suite of Japanese barberry cultivars using integral projection models and have a draft manuscript ready to be submitted later this spring. We developed an invasive plant virtual campus walk (http://cag.uconn.edu/plsc/invasiveplantwalk/map.php) and an accompanying brochure that includes descriptive information, photos, and locations of common invasive plants on the University campus that can be viewed online using a Google-based map or traditional campus map. We released approximately 18,000 beneficial weevils in 10 Connecticut towns for biological control of mile-a-minute vine and more than 1.9 million beneficial beetles over 125 wetlands to reduce populations of purple loosestrife through the dedicated efforts of more than 765 volunteer Beetle Farmers and as a result of training programs, workshops, and educational program materials provided to participants. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Seven PhD students, 7 MS students and 5 visiting scientists were trained under this program. Our success in producing triploid burning bush was a piece of national news in 2011. For instance, an Associated Press article reporting our triploid burning bush was published in thousands of national and local newspapers and also on a large number of internet stations/websites. Burning bush plant is highly popular ($40 million/year in the US) in North America but also highly invasive because of its prolific seed production. The successful development of non-invasive burning bush cultivars has been widely reported in the US, Canada and several other countries worldwide. In the US, for instance, USA Today, Boston Global, Baltimore Sun, ABC News, CBS, PBS, NPR, Bloomberg Business Week, and thousands of other national and local TV stations, newspapers, radio stations, magazines and websites reported our success in producing a non-invasive form of burning bush. If Googling the Associated Press article (Invasive burning bush getting genetic makeover) reporting our triploid burning bush in the end of August, 2011, one would see more than 300,000 entries at that time. Based on field and laboratory research efforts, publications (including an industry survey), interactions with the scientific community, as well as feedback from the nursery and landscape industry and the public, we were able to assess our efforts in addressing the invasive plant issue in Maine. We have reached out to all sectors through peer reviewed publications, presentations, extension bulletins, surveys, workshops, and informal and formal education, as well as trained students in conducting basic and applied research, writing papers and grant proposals, and giving presentations. Our paper on citizen science for invasive species biology (Bois et al. 2011) demonstrates the important role that trained citizens have on not only contributing to the advancement of basic science, but getting excited about science and applying their knowledge to the early detection of invasive species and land management applications. The modeling paper (Merow et al. 2011) demonstrates that we can accurately predict the spread of invasive species across the landscape and target potential new spots susceptible to future invasions. Invasive plant educational outreach was a major focus this year, with numerous training sessions, workshops, and other programs targeting state agencies, municipal staff, conservation organizations, open space and other land use managers, Master Gardeners, and the general public. The Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG) news and events list serve, with approximately 700 members and the CIPWG website (www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg) provide information on invasive plant topics that include identification, management, the Connecticut list of invasive plants, invasive plant photos, invasive alternatives, resources, legislative updates, and much more.

Publications

  • Thammina, C., M. He, L. Lu, K. Cao, H. Yu, Y. Chen, L. Tian, J. Chen, R. McAvoy, D. Ellis, D. Zhao, Y. Wang and X. Zhang and Y. Li (2011): In vitro Regeneration of Triploid Plants of Euonymus alatus Compactus (burning bush) from Endosperm Tissues. HortScience. 46: 1141 - 1147.
  • Ye, X. V. Busov, N. Zhao, R. Meilan, L. M. McDonnell, H. D. Coleman, S. D. Mansfield, F. Chen, Y. Li, and Z-M Cheng (2011). Transgenic Populus trees for forest products, bioenergy, and functional genomics. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences. 30: 415-434.
  • Coats, V. C., Stack, L. B., and Rumpho, M. E. (2011): Maine nursery and landscape industry perspectives on invasive plants issues. Invasive Plant Science and Management 4, 378-389.
  • Ellis, D.R. 2010. Mile-a-minute Biological Control: Weevils at Work. Connecticut Nursery & Landscape Newsletter, Issue 2, pp. 22-25.
  • Li, Y and Duan, H (2011): Molecular approaches for transgene containment and their potential applications in horticultural crops. In: Transgenic horticultural crops: challenges and opportunities. Mou. B. and Scorza R. (ed.) CRC Press. 289-299.
  • Lubell JD, Brand MH 2011. Propagation medium influences success of sweet fern [Comptonia peregrina (L.) Coult.] rhizome cuttings. Propagation of Ornamental Plants. 11(1): 47-49.
  • Lubell JD, Brand MH, Lehrer JM. 2011. Susceptibility of Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius (L.) Maxim.) cultivars to powdery mildew. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 29(3):105-107.
  • Lubell JD, Brand MH. 2011. Germination, growth and survival of Berberis thunbergii DC. (Berberidadceae) and Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea in five natural environments. Biological Invasions. 13: 135-141.
  • Merow, C, N. LaFleur, J.A. Silander, Jr. A.M. Wilson and M. Rubega (2011) Developing dynamic, mechanistic species distribution models: predicting bird-mediated spread of invasive plants across northeastern North America. American Naturalist 178(1), 30-43.
  • Miao S., Y. Li, Dong M., Q. Guo, H. Yu, Yu F., Zhang X. and Liu J. (2011): Biological controls of invasive plants: using native enemies and sterile cultivars. Tree and Forestry Science and Biotechnology. 6: 17-21.
  • Stacey A. Leicht-Young, S.A., A. M. Latimer., and J.A. Silander, Jr. (2011) Lianas escape self-thinning: experimental evidence of positive density dependence in temperate lianas Celastrus orbiculatus and C. scandens. Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics 13(3), 163-172.
  • Sun, Y., Zhang, D., Jin, X., and Han, L. 2011: Cross compatibility of Ilex glabra (L.) A.Gray with Ilex meserveae S.Y. Hu and Ilex verticillata (L.) A. Gray. Journal of Central South University of Forestry and Technology 30(10):1-9.


Progress 08/01/09 to 07/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Triploid euonymus alata and tetraploid Japanese barberries have been produced. The triploid euonymus alata plants should be sterile, non-invasive because they should produce no seeds. Tetraploid Japanese barberry plant lines have produced either no seed or much reduced seeds. These triploid euonymus alata and tetraploid Japanese barberries are either being propagated for further evaluation or currently under evaluation. Putative triploid Japanese barberries have also been produced and characterization of these plants to determine their triploidy will be done soon. To determine viability of some selected native plants as alternatives to invasive plants, cold hardiness assessment has been conduced and progressed well. Also, basic and field research to explore symbiotic associations that may contribute to Berberis thunbergiis invasiveness has been conducted. A survey has been conducted to assess the green industrys attitudes about invasive plants, their regulation, and their economic value. Two workshops were held for Master Gardener volunteers on how to map invasive plants, and one workshop for invasive plant regulatory, research and outreach professionals to establish the Maine Invasive Species Network to further collaborative invasive species projects within Maine. In addition, more than 3 outreach presentations for invasive plants were conducted. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Sterile, non-invaisafve euonymus alata and Japanese barberries or native alternatives can be used to replace the current invasive versions of these ornamental plants species. Use of sterile, non-invasive forms of these plants would eliminate the invasive risk posed by landscape use of these important crops. More than 4 PhD students, 2 MS students and 3 visiting scientists are currently trained under this program and one PhD and one MS student graduated, and three one visiting scientists was mentored. Some other outcomes: 1) Forty-three Master Gardeners learned to identify thirteen species of invasive plants, and subsequently submitted at least sixty sightings into two online mapping systems (IPANE and VitalSigns). 2) Experiments to identify symbionts associated with invasive populations of Berberos thunbergii in Acadia National Park led to the identification of Rhagoletis meigenii, a seed-eating fruit fly that is being explored as a possible biological control agent. 3) Members of the Maine Invasive Species Network developed two workshops to train Master Gardeners to map invasive species, obtained a grant to develop similar networking among the six New England states and New York, created a website to facilitate additional projects (http://umaine.edu/invasivespecies), and have become consultants to a statewide program that supports middle students as citizen scientists. 4) Invasive plant educational outreach was provided for hundreds of CT and New England citizens. 5) An invasive plant virtual campus walk and accompanying brochure continue to be developed at the University of Connecticut. The campus walk depicts locations of invasive plants on the University campus and can be viewed online using a Google-based map or traditional campus map.

Publications

  • Zhu Q., Wu F., Ding F., Ye D., Chen Y., Li Y. and Z. Yang. 2009. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Dioscorea zingiberensis Wright. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC: J. of Plant Biotechnology). 96, 317-324
  • Brand, M. H. 2010. Aronia, Native shrubs with untapped potential. Arnoldia 67, 14-25
  • Geng, F., Zhang, D., Jin, X., and Li, Z. 2010. Natural resource and cutting propagation of Ilex suaveolens Levl. Loes. HortScience 45, 480-481.
  • Hong S. Moon, H. S., Li, Y., and C. Neal Stewart C. N. 2009. Keeping the genie in the bottle: transgene biocontainment by excision in pollen. Trends in Biotechnology. 28: 3-8.
  • Huang, H., Zhang, D., Li, Z., Geng, F., Liu, J., and Yang, Y. 2010. Cutting propagation of Ilex centrosinensis. Northern Horticulture 11:105-106.
  • Lubell, J.D. and M.H. Brand. 2011. Germination, growth and survival of Berberis thunbergii DC. (Berberidaceae) and Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea in five natural environments. Biological Invasions 13, 135-141.
  • Lubell, J.D., M.H. Brand, J.M. Lehrer and K. E. Holsinger. 2009. Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism and parentage analysis of a feral barberry (Berberis thunbergii DC.) population to determine the contribution of an ornamental landscape genotype. HortScience 44(2):392-395.
  • Osburn L., Yang X.3, Li Y., and ZM Cheng. 2009. Micropropagation of Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and Amur Honeysuckle (L. maackii) by Shoot Tip Culture. J. Environ. Hort. 27, 195"C199
  • Stack, L.B. (2008): Native plants: a Maine source list 2008 Web-published: http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/2502.htm
  • Stack, L.B., D. Zhang, and M, Rumpho. 2009. Regulation vs voluntary compliance: two models of addressing invasive plants. International Symposium for Invasive Plants. Page 26.
  • Kausch A, Hague J, Oliver M, Li Y, Daniell H, Mascia P, Watrud L, and C. Neal Stewart, Jr. 2010. Transgenic biofuel feedstocks and strategies for biocontainment. Biofuels: In Press in the inaugural issue.
  • Lehrer, J. M. and M. H. Brand. 2010. Purple-leaved Japanese barberry (var. atropurpurea) genotypes become visually indistinguishable from green-leaved genotypes (Berberis thunbergii DC.) at low light levels. J. Environmental Horticulture 28, 187-189.
  • Stack, L.B., Rumpho, M.E. and Zhang, D. 2010. Recognizing and managing invasive plants: Sweet autumn olive. Maine Home Garden News. http://umaine.edu/gardening/blog/2010/07/01/maine-home-garden-news-4/ #Sweet Autumn Olive.
  • Stack, L.B., Rumpho, M.E., and Zhang, D. 2010. Recognizing and managing invasive plants: Asiatic bittersweet. Maine Home Garden News. http://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/blog/2010/08/07/maine-home-gard en-news-5/#Asiatic Bittersweet.
  • Sun, Y., Zhang, D., and Geng, F. 2010. Genetic diversity and taxon delineation of Ilex glabra (L.) Gray using AFLP markers. Acta Horticulturae 859, 261-269.
  • Sun, Y., Zhang, D., and Smagula, J. 2010. Micropropagation of Ilex glabra (L.) A. Gray. HortScience 45, 805-808.
  • Ye X., Kang B., Osburn L., Y. Li Y., Z. Cheng. 2009. Identification of the flavin-dependent monooxygenase-encoding YUCCA gene family in Populustrichocarpa and their expression in vegetative tissues and in response to hormone and environmental stresses. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC: J. of Plant Biotechnology) 97, 271-283.