o monitoring water quality during a bloom on Lake Whitney, examining genetics and 
developing diagnostic determinations for events using genetic markers; 
o using barley straw to control outbreaks; and 
o determining nutrient and water quality parameters that influence bloom and toxin 
formation. 
• Research is being conducted on control of giant salvinia ( Salvinia molesta) through the 
use of Cyrtobagous salviniae, a biocontrol agent. Giant salvinia propagation, 
reproduction, and dispersal rates will be examined, as will the potential of Cyrtobagous 
salviniae in long-term control and management. 
• Research is being conducted to evaluate the duration an extended summer and fall have 
on drawdown in BA Steinhagen Reservoir in East Texas and on how this drawdown 
affects aquatic invasive vegetation. 
• Grass carp is being tracked in Lake Austin, Lake Conroe, and the Rio Grande. 
• Giant salvinia weevil is being evaluated in the Toledo Bend Reservoir and Lake Conroe. 
• Impacts of Arundo donax on fishes of the Rio Grande are being evaluated. 
• Research is taking place on applesnail ( Pomacea spp.), including the geographic range of 
the applesnail invasion in Southeast Texas and its taxonomy and ecology. 
A.44.6. RESEARCH NEEDS 
• Research needs to be conducted on golden alga control techniques and toxin production, 
analytical methods to define toxins; frequency and regularity of golden alga’s occurrence; 
and effects of golden alga on the recruitment of fish, soil conditions, runoff, and nutrient 
loading. 
• Natural algaecide compounds need to be tested. 
• Transferable methods to estimate the economic impacts of fish kill events on 
communities need to be found. 
• Research on the impact of drought on water hyacinth and hydrilla is needed. 
• The physiology and pathways of the grass carp and how the grass carp relates to hydrilla 
control should be studied. 
• Evapotranspiration rates for Arundo donax and salt cedar, as compared to native 
vegetation rates, should be examined. 
A-lll 
