Current Research

Loyola University Chicago researchers developed EFB habitat suitability models and used predictors to understand the likelihood of EFB occurrence to evaluate effects of EFB on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. New research aims to optimize the early detection of EFB by testing the efficacy of surveying approaches informed by models, proximity to known populations, and surveyor knowledge.

Boise State University researchers used geospatial datasets, such as simulated water depth and satellite radar imagery, to understand how these factors influence EFB occurrence and found that predicted EFB habitat suitability decreases as Great Lakes water levels decrease. New research aims to create inland habitat suitability models using 2023 field data and integrate the products into mapping engines such as ESRI or Google Earth. 

For more information, contact:
Shane Lishawa, Email: [email protected]; Phone: 872-202-3029

Want to take a deeper dive into this research? Watch this webinar recording!

Lake Superior State University (LSSU) researchers sampled sites in the St. Marys River to understand EFB’s ecological effects and found a substantial decrease in percentage cover after the first removal of EFB. New LSSU research aims to assess the impacts of EFB on fish composition and the inter-annual variation of EFB at sites in the St. Marys River.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research & Development Center (ERDC) have partnered with the Centre of Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) to conduct foreign exploration for potential European Frogbit biological control agents.

Field surveys across Europe in 2024 and 2025 identified two candidate agents, the weevil Bagous punticollis, and a leaf mining fly (Hydrellia albifrons). Insect biology and host range testing is currently underway to evaluate these species as candidates for release.

For more information, contact:
Philip Weyl, Email: [email protected]

Ian Knight, Email: [email protected]

Want to take a deeper dive into this research? Watch this webinar recording!

Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are collaborating to develop a novel species-specific and environmentally benign gene silencing biotechnology for invasive EFB control. This work is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and is building off of investments to develop similar treatments for the non-native Phragmites australis.

The USGS Great Lakes Science Center is working with Louisiana State University researchers to sequence and annotate the EFB genome to investigate genetic drivers for its invasiveness and identify essential genes to target with innovative gene-silencing treatments that leverage the natural RNA interference process. USACE scientists at the Engineer Research and Development Center are characterizing target essential genes, designing various types of gene silencing agents (GSAs), and screening these GSAs to identify high-potential candidates and determine their optimal application rates.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Ping Gong, Email: [email protected]; Phone: (601) 634-3521

Kurt Kowalski Email: [email protected] ; Phone: (734) 214-9308

Researchers from Minnesota State University with support from the US Army Corps of Engineers Research & Development Center (ERDC) are investigating modern chemical control technologies to update EFB management recommendations. European frog-bit (EFB) herbicide trials are being conducted as well as the development of rearing methodologies to have plant stock for these trials. The research team uses greenhouse mesocosms to test the effectiveness of about 10 commonly used herbicides. Initial experiments show that Diquat is the most effective killing EFB in about 2 days.

For more information, contact:

April Moffett, Email: [email protected]

Ryan Wersali Email: [email protected]

Ian Knight, Email: [email protected]

Researchers from Montana State University (MSU) with support from the US Army Corps of Engineers Research & Development Center (ERDC) are working to examine the genetic diversity of European Frog-bit across it’s native and introduced ranges. This includes almost 400 samples from 8 different counties. Preliminary results show that North American and European samples are genetically different and that there may be up to 14 different EFB genotypes in North America.

For more information, contact:

Zachary Kuzniar, Email: [email protected]; 406-994-4039

Ryan Thum, Email: [email protected]; 406-994-4039

Ian Knight, Email: [email protected]