reduces costs, improves efficiency, and lays the foundation for development of similar products targeting other invasive plant species that degrade valuable agricultural, range, and natural lands. Past and ongoing investments in this line of research are producing promising new technologies that are supported by several patent applications and patents, some of which have already been licensed by commercial entities. However, additional work is needed in field testing and development as commercial partners are engaged. The proposed collaborative work will fill the research gap and work to generate a new model for combating invasive species by reducing their competitive abilities through targeting their symbiotic association using low-toxicity compounds or antagonistic microbes.