Phragmites Symbiosis Collaborative

About the Phragmites Symbiosis Collaborative

The Phragmites Symbiosis Collaborative (PSC) is a small group of scientists studying plant-soil symbioses and is facilitated by the Great Lakes Commission and US Geological Survey. This group aims to improve cooperation and collaboration among scientists, advance knowledge on how endophytic communities could be used to manage invasive Phragmites australis, and inform restoration strategies for native plant species following Phragmites management. The PSC has convened meetings and published a science agenda in Frontiers in Microbiology.

The PSC represents a unique and exciting opportunity for leading scientists involved in plant-fungal interactions to collectively examine one of the most threatening invasive plants in North America.

The Phragmites Symbiosis Collaborative has formed as a small group of scientists focused on plant-fungal symbioses, convened meetings, and have published a science agenda in Frontiers in Microbiology. The science agenda outlines research priorities and focuses on ways to improve the management of non-native Phragmites.

The  Phragmites Symbiosis Collaborative (PSC) is an initiative to foster communication and collaboration among researchers studying the potential of soil microbes and endophytic bacteria to target non-native Phragmites. The PSC consists of a small group of scientists who study plant-fungal symbioses and is facilitated jointly by the Great Lakes Commission and US Geological Survey.

The objectives of the PSC are to:

1. Establish the current state of the science and identify significant research gaps
2. Develop a vision document or agenda to guide future research
3. Provide support for research projects (e.g. supplemental funding, labor, infrastructure) to address the most pressing research needs, and
4. Maximize collective progress toward an integrated Phragmites-control and habitat restoration strategy founded on microbial symbiosis relationships

By bringing together researchers from different organizations, the PSC aims to maximize the outcomes of individual research projects, build upon successes and breakthroughs of its members, provide input on future research, and collectively explore the potential to use symbiotic relationships in soil to control invasive Phragmites and encourage native plant establishment.