A professor of entomology at West Virginia University, Yong-Lak Park, has developed a method to more efficiently locate, access, and eradicate invasive plants. With the help of drone technology and artificial intelligence, Park is researching the effectiveness of using natural enemy insects to combat invasive plants. Park has received a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service to further develop his "bug bomb" concept.
The bug bomb involves using a drone to identify invasive plants in hard-to-reach areas. Once the plants are located, a 3D-printed biodegradable pod filled with insects that feed on the specific invasive plant is deployed. For example, to address mile-a-minute weed, the bug bomb would contain weevils, beetles that are 1/16 of an inch in size and feed on this particular plant. Japanese knotweed would be targeted using psyllids, its natural enemy insect, and black-margined loosestrife beetles would combat purple loosestrife.
Park emphasizes the need for precise delivery of the insects to ensure they are able to locate the invasive plants easily, feed, and reproduce. While the process can be expensive, it proves more effective than using herbicides for visible and accessible plants. The challenge lies in eradicating hard-to-reach invasive plants, as their removal is necessary to prevent further spread.
The economic impact of invasive plants is significant. Mile-a-minute weed, for instance, spreads rapidly and can overshadow and kill trees, negatively affecting the value of land and timber for landowners. Park stresses the need for action, as leaving invasive plants uncontrolled can result in long-term losses. The research aims to determine the optimal number of insects needed in each bomb, the altitude at which the bomb should be deployed, and the necessary steps for aftercare.
Park and botanist Cynthia Huebner have also received a $200,000 grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to perfect a "seed bomb" as part of the aftercare process. The seed bomb will be deployed to prevent other invasive species from taking over after the natural enemy insects have eliminated the target invasive plants.
Park's research covers six counties in West Virginia, including areas along the Ohio River that are severely affected by mile-a-minute weed infestation. He collaborates with professionals in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia state and national parks as well.
The ultimate goal of Park's research is to provide an environmentally-friendly approach to invasive plant management by using natural enemy insects and native seeds. The professor hopes that his findings will lead to the development of a practical tool that can be utilized by the public or even turned into a small business venture.
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