Overview: Targeted Pests
Targeted Solutions for Invasive Species Threatening Our Ecosystems
Terrestrial and Aquatic Weeds
Invasive weeds now impact over 100 million acres in the U.S. alone, with annual economic losses exceeding $30 billion. Many species have developed resistance to common herbicides. Globally, herbicide use is a $43 billion industry, but innovation has stalled for decades.
Current Status of a Solution
Given the urgent need for sustainable weed control, we’re developing a biological herbicide using two approaches: AI/ML-aided discovery, leveraging machine learning to identify promising compounds and genes, and in-house bioprospecting, applying our expertise in natural product chemistry, unique fermentation, and bioassays to discover potent, environmentally friendly herbicides with superior efficacy and stability.
Zebra and Quagga Mussels
Zebra and Quagga Mussels are aggressively spreading across North America, damaging ecosystems in the Great Lakes, Upper Mississippi River Basin, and Lower Colorado River Basin. These invasive species clog pipes, harm fisheries, disrupt natural habitats, and damage infrastructure. Their spread continues south and west, and they have already caused similar ecological destruction across Europe.
Current Status of a Solution
The Invasive Species Corporation’s (ISC) Zequanox is currently marketed for use in pipeline and open water applications. We are developing a second-generation product that will be more affordable, easier to use, and significantly more effective in both open water and closed pipe systems. This new version could be completed within six months, but a new EPA registration will likely take two years.
Explore how Invasive Species Corporation is tackling some of the world’s most destructive invasive pests—from aquatic invaders like Zebra Mussels and Asian Carp to forest-razing beetles and herbicide-resistant weeds. Learn about our innovative, science-driven approach to developing environmentally responsible solutions for protecting biodiversity, water systems, forests, and agriculture.
Asian Carp
Asian Carp are disrupting freshwater ecosystems and threatening commercial and recreational fisheries throughout the Mississippi River system, its tributaries, and adjacent lakes. They are rapidly spreading and pose a serious threat to the Great Lakes and surrounding waterways if not stopped.
Current Status of a Solution
ISC’s Piscamycin solution needs improvements in its manufacturing process and must be re-registered with the EPA. We believe it may qualify for emergency use registration within six months. Manufacturing start-up is underway, and marketing has begun. A CRADA with USGS is supporting bait specificity for carp, with plans to expand to other invasive fish species to create a broad-spectrum aquatic pest control tool.
Toxic Algae
Toxic algae blooms are spreading rapidly across freshwater systems worldwide, killing wildlife, endangering pets and humans, and disrupting drinking water supplies. Climate change is intensifying their frequency, duration, and toxicity, creating a growing environmental and public health crisis.
Current Status of a Solution
We have identified five candidate microbes with potential as algaecides. These require additional research, proof-of-concept studies, toxicology screening, and development work including registration, manufacturing processes, and commercialization. We are currently negotiating a license for these microbial strains.
Forest Pests
A wide range of destructive forest pests—including Pine, Mountain, and Spruce Beetles, Emerald Ash Borer, Gold Spotted Oak Borer (GSOB), Invasive Shot Hole Borers (ISHB), Mediterranean Oak Borer (MOB), and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA)—are devastating woodlands across North America and beyond. Climate change, drought, and global trade are accelerating their spread. These pests are killing millions of trees, fueling wildfires, threatening biodiversity, and causing billions in damage to the forestry and paper industries. Some ecosystems may never fully recover.
Current Status of a Solution
We have identified two candidate microbes and are pursuing licenses to develop them into targeted biological solutions for a broad range of forest pests. Additional testing and field validation are needed to confirm efficacy against multiple species. Once proven effective, we will focus on manufacturing, EPA registration, and designing practical, scalable application methods for forest environments. Different microbes may be required for certain pests, and forest-wide deployment presents significant technical and economic challenges.
Burrowing Shrimp
Burrowing shrimp are destabilizing coastal sediment and threatening oyster farming along the U.S. West Coast. Found in high densities in tidal flats, these shrimp loosen the substrate, causing oysters and other shellfish to sink and suffocate. Their rapid spread is endangering the aquaculture economy, disrupting seagrass habitats critical for marine life, and forcing farmers to abandon affected beds. With environmental concerns surrounding chemical treatments, a sustainable and effective solution is urgently needed.
Current Status of a Solution
Invasive Species Corporation (ISC) is developing a microbial-based biocontrol targeting burrowing shrimp. Field trials are underway to identify naturally occurring microbes that selectively impact shrimp without harming surrounding marine life. Inspired by the success of microbial pesticides like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), this solution aims to protect oyster farms while preserving ecosystem balance. Although promising candidates have been identified, further testing and regulatory approval are required before commercial deployment.
