Research and outreach on invasive species keep agriculture productive, profitable
Land-grant university research and outreach is helping manage the impacts invasive weeds and species have on growers and agricultural productivity.
Here are a few examples of that work:
- When invasive pigweed threatened Idaho agriculture, Extension educators educated stakeholders on identification and best management practices. Educational materials have been widely shared, including more than 50 presentations to more than 4,000 direct contacts and live demonstrations at field days, tours, county fairs and other educational events.
University of Idaho Extension. See full statement. - Weeds were the primary cause of yield losses in Mississippi from 2014 to 2023. Weed control research and Extension ensures that growers can access the most current information and recommendations.
Mississippi State University Extension Service; Smith-Lever. See full statement. - Invasive species reach Alaska through tourism, moving firewood and boats and importation of food products. Extension engaged Alaskans as citizen scientists to contribute to statewide tracking using an online IPM portal and the Alaska Weeds ID application.
University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service; Smith-Lever, Other USDA Competitive. See full statement. - In Arkansas, sweet potatoes provide essential economic value to small-scale farmers. Research is underway to understand the potential impact of weeds as hosts of viruses and insects that can affect crop yield and to develop effective control recommendations.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Agricultural Research Station; Other USDA capacity – research. See full statement.
