Synopsis

U.S. Geological Survey"s (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center solicits research on development of environmentally friendly bioherbicides and strategies to control invasive Phragmites australis and other invasive plants. This project will be a collaborative effort to explore the role of microbial endophytes in enhancing the growth and stress tolerance of invasive Phragmites australis and use that information to develop a new, low-toxicity bioherbicide that offers resource managers more treatment options for this noxious plant and, ultimately, results in a highly efficient and effective approach that reduces costs, improves efficiency, and lays the foundation for development of similar products targeting other invasive plant species that degrade valuable agricultural, range, and natural lands. Past and ongoing investments in this line of research are producing promising new technologies that are supported by several patent applications and patents, some of which have already been licensed by commercial entities. However, additional work is needed in field testing and development as commercial partners are engaged. The proposed collaborative work will fill the research gap and work to generate a new model for combating invasive species by reducing their competitive abilities through targeting their symbiotic association using low-toxicity compounds or antagonistic microbes.
Response Date	Jan 17, 2026 12:00:00 AM EST
Posting Date	Dec 17, 2025 12:00:00 AM EST
Archive Date
Award Ceiling	498,392
Award Floor	1
Cost Sharing	No

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants	Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Additional Info on Eligibility:	This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program. CESU"s are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.

Additional Information

Agency Name	Geological Survey
Link to Additional Information:	N/a
Grantor Contact Information:	If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: GrantSolutions Help Desk Phone: 916-278-9331

CFDA Program(s)

• 15.808: U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection