Dr. Bernd Blossey, Assistant Professor and Director of the Biological Control of Non-indigenous Plant Species at Cornell University is conducting research on Phragmites australis and its herbivores. 

To date over 20 species of non-native insects have been discovered living on and in Phragmites. Is it possible that one of these species could play a role in the management of Phragmites?

To determine if any of these insects, or any that have yet to be identified, could possibly function as biological control agents extensive study of the ecology of the plant and the identification, distribution and abundance of those herbivores is required.  Teachers and their students are invited to help with the study.

Occurring simultaneously with the Phragmites investigation graduate student and high school biology teacher Linda J. Tompkins, and Cornell Associate Professor Dr. Marianne Krasny, will be exploring the structure and function of the STSP itself.

Identification of characteristics essential to the sustainability of this STSP will be valuable in the development of future STSP’s.

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                        Copyright 2002. Bernd Blossey. Cornell University
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What is Phragmites?

What makes a species invasive?

What is biological control?