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: slishawa@luc.edu; Phone: 872-202-3029

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) researchers are working to understand the genetic diversity of EFB in its invasive and native ranges. Goals of this research include monitoring EFB’s spread, mapping EFB genetic diversity, and partnering with the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) to guide foreign exploration for biocontrol. 

CABI completed a literature search on phytophagous arthropods and fungal pathogens associated with European frog-bit in Europe which resulted in 14 insect species and one fungal pathogen. Of these, two insect species are of interest with a potentially restricted host range. These are the weevil species Bagous puncticollis and the ephydrid fly Hydrellia albifrons. During field surveys CABI researchers collected Hydrellia albifrons and started to understand the biology. They plan to conduct host range testing in 2025 to understand whether the species is specific enough to be considered for biocontrol in North America. CABI plans to continue surveys to locate the Bagous weevil in its native range, which has proven difficult thus far.

For more information, contact:
Philip Weyl, Email: P.Weyl@cabi.org

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: Ping.Gong@usace.army.mil; Phone: (601) 634-3521

Kurt Kowalski Email: kkowalski@usgs.gov ; Phone: (734) 214-9308