The
Exotic Plant Invasion bio-Control (EPIC)
Laboratory is located in the Plant, Soils, and
Entomological Sciences Department on the College
of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the
University of Idaho. The EPIC Laboratory
conducts research on developing and implementing
effective biological control for noxious weeds
to protect natural resources in Idaho and the
western U.S. Invasive plants are considered
among the greatest threat to non-agricultural
lands in the western U.S. Exotic plant invasions
significantly impair the ecological integrity
through loss of native plant communities,
increased soil erosion, degradation of wildlife
habitat, and alteration of ecosystem functions.
In August, 1989, the Department of Entomology at Washington State University unanimously approved a biological control initiative for a coordinated, long-term research, education, training and extension commitment to an insectary and quarantine facility. This Pacific Northwest Biocontrol Insectary & Quarantine facility (NWBIQ) serves as the regional insectary for the Pacific Northwest states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The insectary/quarantine facility at Pullman consists of a 750 ft² insectary laboratory, 750 ft² secured quarantine facility and two greenhouses each of 400 ft². The main Northwest Biocontrol Insectary & Quarantine Facility is housed in a 1600 ft² building consisting of laboratories, offices, and environmental chambers with about 750 ft² designated as the secured quarantine facility. Adjoining this building are two 400 ft² each glasshouses. The grounds surrounding the facility are available for mass propagation of biological control agents under outdoor conditions.
The Center for Research on Invasive Species and Small Populations (CRISSP)
is headquartered at the University of Idaho’s main Moscow campus, CRISSP is a cross-disciplinary group of scientists and educators addressing natural and agricultural resource problems. Their emphasis is on ecological issues confronting small or declining populations, and where these intersect with the problems caused by invasive species. CRISSP faculty have initiated collaborative research projects in partnership with colleagues from peer universities, tribal research institutions and federal agency research branches, to address invasive species and small population topics.
The CRISSP mission is to provide leadership in promoting research and outreach that address the challenges presented by declining populations of native flora and fauna and the spread of invasive species, with special emphasis on understanding the linkages between these threats to native and managed ecosystems of the region. Mark Schwarzländer is currently the co-director of CRISSP.
The University of Idaho's Environmental Science Program emphasizes an integrated approach for students committed to studying and solving environmental issues. Faculty from throughout the university, including soil scientists, engineers, biologists, ecologists, geographers, political scientists, sociologists, economists, chemists and hydrologists, work across traditional disciplines to provide you with a comprehensive education in the hows and whys of environmental problem-solving.
The
University of Idaho's
Plant, Soil, and Entomological Sciences
Department is located in the College of Agricultural
and Life Sciences. To learn more
about the Entomology Division, the Aldrich Entomology Club, or the BUGSS Seminar, visit the
Entomology Division
website.
The Manis Entomology Research Lab is located off campus at 403 Farm Road. The Manis lab offers isolated greenhouses for working with insects.
The Parker Farm is a plant science farm
located 2 miles from UI campus on 1025 Plant
Science Road. The 157 acre farm has 10 greenhouses and 3 staff. Research includes weed,
disease, and insect control and biology studies. Other research on seed for crops, plant
breeding, crop variety trails, crop rotation, conservation tillage, and organic farming are also conducted.