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Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

Biocontrol of Blackberry

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Biocontrol of Blackberry

PIERC Project Leader: Donald Gardner,Ph.D.

Florida Blackberry Objectives:
Star  Control prickly Florida blackberry (Rubus argutus), an invasive forest weed in Hawai‘i
Star  Evaluate rust fungus Gymnoconianitensfor ability to limit blackberry
Star  Determine host specificity of the fungus


Accomplishments:
Star  Collaborated with forest pathologist at North Carolina State University to evaluate G. nitensin its native habitat
Star  Tested the fungus under quarantine in Hawai‘i Florida


Significance:
Star  Rubus argutusis the most widespread invasive bramble in Hawai‘i’s forests
Star  Biocontrolis considered the only practical long-term control
Star  Rust fungi are often effective control agents



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Page Last Modified: Friday, Dec 1, 2006