Biological Control of Invasive Native and Non-Native Plants - Potential Biological Control of Invasive Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) with Honeysuckle Leaf Blight (Insolibasidium deformans)

This project will explore the potential of a widely distributed native fungal pathogen, honeysuckle leaf blight (Insolibasidium deformans), as a biological control agent for invasive bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii and other species) and Japanese honeysuckle (L. japonica). Specific objectives include: • Understanding the host range and distribution of I. deformans in the field by isolating from symptomatic tissue • Determining the pathogenicity of I. deformans to a range of Lonicera species (native and non-native) • Assessing the virulence of I. deformans strains to identify optimal isolates for biological control To accomplish these goals, we will first develop a culture collection of isolates of I. deformans by sampling across a broad geographic range and from a variety of host species (native and invasive Lonicera spp.). Collecting these isolates will involve a mix of field sampling and collaboration with professional partners and citizen scientists. We will characterize the genetic diversity of isolates to determine whether there is variation in the distribution of potential species causing these symptoms. In addition, the pathogenicity and virulence of these isolates will be tested on several Lonicera species to inform whether I. deformans has significant non-target impacts to native species. Through this, we will develop a technique for producing and applying inoculum that can be scaled up to future in-field application. This project addresses all four BCIP priority areas and lays the foundation for determining whether I. deformans presents a viable option for biological control of bush honeysuckle.