Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, North Atlantic Coast CESU | G20AS00110

Opportunity Information: Apply for G20AS00110

This grant opportunity, offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network for the North Atlantic Coast, funds research aimed at controlling the invasive common reed, Phragmites australis, by targeting the plant's internal microbial partners (endophytes). Rather than relying on traditional toxic herbicides, the project focuses on environmentally friendly, non-toxic treatments designed to disrupt the symbiotic relationships that help Phragmites grow aggressively and outcompete native vegetation. The central idea is to reduce the plant's competitive advantage by manipulating its microbiome and the soil signaling processes that support root-microbe cooperation.

The proposed research strategy is organized into three connected components. First, the project seeks to "turn the microbiome against the plant" by applying sugars and organic acids together with non-toxic adjuvants such as oils and surfactants. The adjuvants are intended to weaken or penetrate the plant's waxy cuticle barrier, improving uptake and contact. The sugars are meant to overload the plant-microbe nutrient balance, particularly the carbon-to-nitrogen dynamics, stimulating microbial growth and activity both aboveground and belowground. As microbial activity increases, endophytes are expected to consume nitrogen and other nutrients more aggressively, potentially causing a nutrient crash for the host plant that leads to stress, reduced vigor, and ultimately plant death.

Second, the project targets belowground plant-microbe communication and symbiosis by interfering with signaling in the root zone. The opportunity description notes that carbohydrates are believed to disrupt the signaling processes that normally help roots establish beneficial microbial relationships. In practice, the liquid carbohydrates applied to the aboveground biomass in the first component are expected to reach the soil, where they may alter microbial behavior and interrupt the normal development of root-associated symbioses. The intended outcome is reduced establishment of supportive microbial partnerships, leading to diminished growth and competitive ability of Phragmites.

Third, the approach includes an acceleration step intended to increase plant mortality and speed up decomposition of standing dead biomass. This component involves testing spray applications of fungal endophyte and saprophyte suspensions on plants that have already been treated with the bioherbicide-style carbohydrate/adjuvant approach. By adding fungi that can colonize plant tissues and break down dead or dying material, the project aims to increase the rate of plant die-off and decomposition. Faster reduction of dead biomass is also framed as a practical restoration benefit, because it may open space and improve site conditions for the return and establishment of native vegetation after treatment.

Programmatically, the award is structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement or collaboration with the federal partner during the project rather than a more hands-off grant model. It is categorized under science and technology and other research and development, with CFDA number 15.808. The opportunity anticipated a single award with a maximum funding level (award ceiling) of $156,000. The funding opportunity number is G20AS00110, issued by the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. The posting date listed is June 30, 2020, with an original application closing date of July 22, 2020. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with the expectation that applicants consult the opportunity's eligibility details for the specific categories allowed under the CESU framework.

Overall, the project is positioned as a potential new model for invasive plant management: instead of directly poisoning the plant, it attempts to undermine the biological relationships that make the invader successful, using compounds described as non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The work aligns with a broader, multi-agency federal-academic agenda focused on microbial symbiosis and Phragmites management, and it is presented as part of the larger collaborative effort to develop innovative, ecologically based control strategies that can reduce invasive dominance and support restoration of native plant communities.

• The Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, North Atlantic Coast CESU" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 30, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 22, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $156,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for G20AS00110

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