What is Challenge 250? New Crop Protection Initiative Out to Get Invasive Pests

A new initiative called Challenge 250 aims to strengthen the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Tropical Research and Education Center’s (TREC) ability to respond during the critical moments of when an invasive pest is first detected.

Launched by Edward ‘Gilly’ Evans, TREC Director, Challenge 250 aims to raise $250,000 in dedicated funding for rapid-response agricultural research and outreach. The goal is to create flexible, readily available resources that allow scientists to quickly investigate, assess and respond to emerging pest and disease threats before they escalate into widespread problems.

Located in Homestead, FL, TREC is often on the front lines of identifying and addressing invasive species and plant disease threats entering Florida. Florida gets one to two new pests every month and 75% of them make their way through South Florida. Challenge 250 will strengthen the center’s rapid-response capabilities by providing a sustainable source of funding that complements existing research and Extension programs while helping to protect farms, nurseries, natural resources and the food system.

“Challenge 250 [named in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary] will give our researchers resources and opportunities to develop tools they can deploy quickly when a new invasive pest or plant disease is detected,” Evans says. “That early action can help protect growers, safeguard ecosystems and ensure that Florida’s agriculture and horticulture industries remain viable for generations to come.”

While Florida has robust monitoring programs and effective management strategies, responding quickly to a new pest or disease can be complicated by the traditional research funding process. Grants can take months to prepare, submit and approve at a time when rapid action is essential. Challenge 250 is designed to bridge that gap.

The funds will allow TREC scientists to begin critical work immediately upon detection of a new invasive species, conducting diagnostics and surveillance, screening existing pesticides and biological controls, evaluating integrated pest management strategies, developing containment plans, convening subject-matter experts and delivering rapid educational workshops for growers and stakeholders.

Researchers also can assess biorational and naturally derived products, cultural control practices, and other environmentally responsible management tools while developing longer-term solutions. These early efforts provide critical information needed to build comprehensive management programs and secure additional research support.

Challenge 250 will be officially launched during the 12th Annual One Night in the Tropics event at TREC on Nov. 7.

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