Invasive species management: Taking research to extension

The air potato vine Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae) is invasive to the southern United States. The biological control agent Lilioceris cheni is a large red-orange Asian leaf beetle and its widespread release in Florida began in spring of 2013.  During the air potato biological control program, it was vital not only to perform research but also to extend the results and success of the project to stakeholders. This included county extension agents, pest management specialists, and the public. This extension component of the program was performed in person at extension events throughout the state. Additionally, there was a citizen science project, “The Air Potato Patrol” which connected research by specialists, to county extension, and ultimately to the public. This was done through social media, blogs, and webpages which allowed communication between scientists and stakeholders through the pandemic and beyond. During this effort, various surveys were distributed to participants to determine changes in knowledge, behavior, and attitudes toward the project and efficacy of the biological control agents. Among other things, this project resulted in a 60% increase in knowledge by the participants and an increase in integrated pest management of the invasive species. The details of designing the program and submission of an article to the Journal of Extension will be discussed.