Courtesy of Rodrigo Diaz
Rodrigo Diaz, the new director at the LSU AgCenter's Center for the Study of Invasive Species
This spring, the LSU AgCenter's announced the appointment of entomologist Rodrigo Diaz to the position of Director of the Center for Research Excellence for the Study of Invasive Species. A specialist on the subjects of invasive species and their impact, Diaz has spent his career studying species such as roseau cane scale and giant salvinia, leading research projects with $10 million budgets. For our June 2024, "Our Natural World" issue, we reached out to Diaz to learn more about his work, and his new role at the Center.
Can you tell us a bit about how your past research and experience have prepared you to step into the position of director of the Center for Research Excellence for the Study of Invasive Species?
For the last 24 years, I have been involved with invasive species research. My first job after college was to work with purple loosestrife, which is an invasive wetland plant. I had the chance to rear biological control agents (small beetles) of purple loosestrife and evaluate their impact in wetlands in Illinois. Then, I moved to Texas A&M to study fire ants for my master’s degree. We found that fire ants removed several pests of cotton, so that was a ‘positive’ impact for farmers. Then, I moved to University of Florida for my PhD, where I studied an invasive grass from South America. While in Florida I had the opportunity to work with multiple projects from invasive insects and weeds in different habitats. I moved to LSU in 2015 to work on biological control of invasive species. My research program focuses on improving the impact of natural enemies to reduce pest populations. I have the pleasure to work with very talented students and research associates who are passionate about invasive species. Currently, we have research on biological control methods of giant salvinia, Chinese privet, and Roseau cane scale.
For those who don't know, what does the Center for Research Excellence for the Study of Invasive Species do?
The purpose of the Center is to advance our understanding of invasive species through research. In practice, this means develop effective strategies for prevention, early detection, control, and mitigation of invasive species' impacts on agro-ecosystems and natural areas of Louisiana. The most cost-effective approach to manage invasive species is prevention. To accomplish this, we will use our expertise to conduct risk assessments, develop monitoring programs, and develop eradication and control measures. This cannot be done without funding support, so we will promote the procurement of funds from federal, state, and local agencies, and commodity groups. Additionally, we need to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, land managers, farmers, and citizens. This might sound like a lot, but we do this all the time as part of being applied scientists.
What are a few of the most prominent invasive species present in Louisiana?
I would say Mexican rice borer, Roseau cane scale, emerald ash borer, apple snails, feral pigs, nutria, giant salvinia, and water hyacinth. I hope I didn’t upset my colleagues by not mentioning more!
Why is it important to study them?
The more we know about an invasive species and their impact, the better we can manage them. Studying invasive species provides critical information that helps in developing management strategies. For example, we can develop cost-effective and modern tools for detection, monitoring, and control.
Is there anything in particular about invasive species in Louisiana and how to deal with them that you would like to share with the public?
We have a warm subtropical climate that is conducive to establishment of many invasive species. In addition, we have several entry points, including the ports of New Orleans and Lake Charles, several airports, and major highways. One the main sources for the movement of invasive species is the Mississippi River and tributaries. So, we need to be ready to protect our state agriculture and natural resources. The public could help in preventing the spread of invasive species by being aware of what common invasive species in our region are, and how we can prevent their spread into new locations.
Do you have any particular goals or initiatives you hope to implement in your new position?
In the first year, my role will be to facilitate the direction and management of the Center, develop research goals and objectives of the Center, and coordinate research, education, and outreach activities based on the Center objectives. My short-term objective will be to organize a symposium with several scientists, stakeholders and policymakers, so we can develop an inclusive program.
Visit lsuagcenter.com/invasivespecies to learn more about invasive species in Louisiana.
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