Prospects for Biocontrol of Invasive Grasses

Dr. Tracy Johnson’s presentation focuses on invasive alien grass species in Hawaii which outcompete native dryland species and fuel wildfires threatening landscapes, property and lives. Recent breakthroughs elsewhere in biological control for several invasive African grass species suggest the potential for developing biocontrol as a new tool for grass management in Hawaii. Dr. Johnson discusses the next steps moving forward and how integration of biocontrol might improve habitat restoration and other approaches for managing fire.