Research

Invasive plants degrade and diminish Florida's conservation lands and waterways.  Some invasive aquatic plants pose a significant threat to human welfare by impeding flood control and affecting recreational use of waterways and its associated surrounding economy.  The Invasive Plant Management Section funds scientific research projects at Florida's universities to improve the state's invasive plant management programs by finding more cost-efficient control techniques and also insuring these control methods are effective, safe, and environmentally compatible.  In addition, invasive plants can develop resistant to herbicides over time and new herbicides and/or herbicide combinations must be found through research in order to maintain good control.  Long term management solutions, like biological control research, can offer a permanent solution and can lower the need for herbicide use.