This project aims to develop a research and restoration program for the roseau cane DIE-back experienced in the mississippi river delta

Activities will include research that focuses on metabolomics and transcriptomics of roseau cane, and access to findings; assessment of fate of phragmites DIE-off sites using feedbacks; variation in the phragmites australis transcriptome in response to herbivory, microbes, salinity, and flooding; foliar fungal virulence and viral diversity of roseau cane; roseau cane monitoring database and remote sensing-based habitat analysis; effects of roseau cane dieback on sedimentation in the navigation channel; effects of roseau cane dieback on water and sediment routing; modeling and data collection of morphologic and vegetation dynamics in the bird foot delta; field monitoring and establishment of restoration plots, and biological control of roseau cane scale; collection and host specificity testing of aprostocetus SP.; genetic analyses and host range testing of aprostocetus SP. Deliverables will be specific for each research project. They will include final reports, summary figures, tables, and maps highlighting key results and its implications for roseau cane management and restoration. Efforts will benefit the sustainability the mississippi river navigation channel w hich is a major transportation route of agricultural products. In addition, protecting roseau cane stands will slow the impact of storms and hurricanes to new orleans. Other beneficiaries include oil and gas industries located in the mississippi river delta, and business associated with duck hunting and fishing. We will work with subrecipients at tulane university, LSU a & m, university of rhode island and university of massachusetts.