Invasive Plant Ecology and Interaction with Native Plant Communities John Madsen, Chair Mississippi State University Toni Pennington, Portland State University John Titus, SUNY-Binghamton

Research Summary We know a lot about a little We know a little about a lot We don’t know nothing about something

Research Needed Complete plant demographic / life history analysis – representative native and invasive species Seasonal life histories of invasive and representative native species More data on vegetation dynamics of different systems (relatively stable to highly changeable) Coherent theory of community dynamics Spatially-relevant (implicit or explicit) models of invasion Predictive tools for invasion probability Predictive tools for management

Specific Projects We have a long list of specific projects

Obstacles 1. Studies take long time, resources, and diverse geographical locations 2. Student interest. 3. Funding 4. Social and economic downsides to potential action 5. Perception of the magnitude (qualitative and quantitative) of the problem 6. Setting priorities – who, how, etc. 7. Funding sources – what agencies care about submersed aquatic plants 8. Societies – what societies acre about submersed aquatic plants (mutual stimulation, collaboration, publication, etc.). 9. Access to data and publications – published or unpublished, gray literature versus journal articles. 10. Limited opportunities for communication 11. Taxonomy 12. How can you study plants that aren’t here yet? 13. Research facilities

What are the benefits to managers 1. Understanding invasibilty will allow managers to manage systems to reduce invasion 2. Understanding invasiveness will allow managers to reduce invasion by specific species 3. Spread vector and pathway analysis will enhance prevention efforts