Source: California Invasive Plant Council


URL of this page: http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/research/roundtable.php
Cal-IPC > Invasive Plants > Invasive Plant Research > Research Needs Assessment

Assessing Research Needs

Identifying Research Gaps and Priorities for Invasive Plants in California

Studying Spartina in the San Francisco Bay
Studying Spartina in the San Francisco Bay
Photo courtesy Elizabeth Brusati

California needs a coordinated plan to direct research efforts on invasive plants. According to the California Noxious and Invasive Weed Action Plan, "Most weed researchers form their own research priorities through stakeholder meetings, requests from practitioners, discussions with colleagues, and their own observations" (p. 23). In August 2005, Cal-IPC convened a "Weed Research Roundtable" at the University of California-Davis as a first step towards creating an outline of known information and research gaps.

We divided invasive plant issues into 12 topics, plus an additional category for funding needs. The goal of this project is to produce a summary of major research needs for California invasive plants that can be used to inform state policy and provide ideas for researchers, especially graduate students. A coordinated plan may encourage researchers to choose topics that are most in need of study, and might provide more effective use of research funds and time by facilitating cooperation among researchers. In addition, the process will promote communication between researchers and land managers, a key aspect of Cal-IPC's mission.

We are soliciting input from researchers throughout the state who can contribute their ideas on areas of research that need to be addressed related to invasive plants in California, or who would be willing to review draft summaries for the topics below.

Topics

  1. Weed biology and ecology
  2. Biogeography and distribution of weed systems
  3. Risk assessment and predictive systems (including Early Detection/Rapid Response)
  4. Effectiveness of control methods
  5. Environmental and cultural factors affecting invasion (e.g. nitrogen deposition)
  6. Development of biological control agents
  7. Evaluation of horticultural selections
  8. Economic impacts
  9. Policies and regulations for invasive plants
  10. Social issues (integrating social science and education into outreach efforts)
  11. Restoration
  12. Genetic and evolutionary issues (e.g. hybridization)
  13. Funding needs and structures

We are also creating a list of invasive plant researchers in the state, with their contact information and areas of expertise. To get involved or to contribute information, please contact Cal-IPC Project Manager Elizabeth Brusati.

Related Links

Minutes from August 2005 roundtable (pdf)

Cal-IPC Invasive Plant Inventory - Summary of impacts, invasiveness, and distribution for more than 200 invasive plants in California.

Montana Noxious Weed Plan (2005) - A similar project in Montana that identifies high-priority research projects in six categories for that state.


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