INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAMS

Rapid growth rates are a common characteristic of non-native plants that become invasive. For example water hyacinth can cover the surface

INVASIVE PLANTS

This section includes programs and research related to invasive plants.

Invasive Plant-Lantana

Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas

Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas uses literature-based assessment tools to evaluate the invasion risk of non-native species that occur in the state, new species proposed for introduction, and novel agricultural and horticultural selections, hybrids, and cultivars. The overarching goal is to reduce non-native plant invasions in Florida and throughout the Southeast US for protection of natural and agricultural areas.

UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants

UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP) a multidisciplinary research, teaching and extension unit that develops environmentally sound techniques for management of aquatic and natural-area weed species and coordinates aquatic plant research activities in Florida.

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FLORIDA MASTER NATURALIST PROGRAM: INVASIVE PLANTS

This course has been established to help participants understand how invasive plants impact Florida’s natural areas and the roles we can play to help mitigate their impacts. Whether you are a concerned citizen, owner/manager of property, or educator, the information provided in this course will provide you with valuable knowledge about invasive plants, the threats they pose to native biodiversity and ecosystem function, and information to share with others to help stop the spread of invasive plants in Florida’s natural areas.

Invasive plant - Schinus terebinthifolius

TAME Invasives Portal

TAME Invasives Portal provides online training and CEU opportunities and informational and management resources for Melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, old world climbing fern, tropical soda apple, and air potato vine.

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Air Potato Patrol

A citizen science project developed by Dr. William Lester, UF/IFAS Extension and Dr. Chris Kerr, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The goal is to educate and involve as many members of the public as possible to help control air potato vine in Florida. Science is making great strides in better understanding air potato vine, how to stop its spread and how to better control it, but we need your help!

For questions or comments regarding this site and the UF IFAS Invasive Species Council, contact Emily Bell, UF/IFAS Invasive Species Extension Coordinator.