Genetic and Hybrid Characterization of Water Chestnut in the US | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) What is the goal of this cooperative agreement opportunity?

The goal is to determine whether the two established U.S. water chestnut species in the genus Trapa can naturally hybridize with each other. The work is intended to resolve whether unusual-looking plants observed in the field are simply morphological variants of an introduced species or true hybrids formed between different Trapa lineages.

2) Why is this question important for invasive aquatic plant management?

The results are meant to strengthen the scientific basis for monitoring and control strategies. If unusual field forms are hybrids rather than variants, that can affect how agencies interpret population differences, assess spread risk, and make identification and management decisions in northeastern U.S. waters.

3) Which agency is sponsoring the opportunity?

The sponsor is the U.S. Department of Defense, through the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).

4) What is the funding mechanism for this opportunity?

This is offered as a cooperative agreement and was described as a discretionary funding opportunity.

5) What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity is identified as W81EWF 21 SOI 0012.

6) What program/category is this opportunity associated with?

It is associated with CFDA 12.630 and falls under the science and technology / research and development category.

7) How many awards were anticipated?

The notice indicated an anticipated single award.

8) What was the maximum award amount listed?

The award ceiling listed was $15,000.

9) When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was originally posted on March 8, 2021, with an original closing date of May 3, 2021.

10) Who can apply based on the eligibility description provided?

Eligibility was listed broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice.

11) What specific scientific approach is expected?

The work centers on molecular genetics. The project requires DNA extraction from suspected hybrids and putative parent plants and then genetic processing and analysis robust enough to determine whether hybridization has occurred.

12) What are the main technical objectives described?

Two primary objectives are described: (1) extract DNA from plant material identified as suspected hybrids and from their putative parents, and (2) process and analyze the DNA using AFLP markers or next generation sequencing methods to evaluate whether hybridization has occurred.

13) What genetic methods are acceptable for the analysis?

The notice specifies either AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers, described as a genome-wide fingerprinting approach, or next generation sequencing methods, which may provide higher-resolution genomic data.

14) What does the analysis need to demonstrate to meet the project intent?

The analysis must be strong enough to determine whether hybridization has actually occurred by comparing genetic patterns in suspected hybrid individuals to genetic patterns found in the parent species.

15) Are phylogenetic or network methods required?

Yes. In addition to confirming hybrid status, the opportunity requires the applicant to use phylogenetic approaches and/or network analyses to map relationships among samples. This is intended to clarify parentage, gene flow, and how closely any hybrid offspring align with the available parent material.

16) Does the project include any biogeographic comparison beyond the northeastern U.S.?

If feasible, the project may compare introduced North American material to native-range accessions to place U.S. populations in a broader biogeographic context and better understand origins and relatedness.

17) Who provides the plant samples for the genetic work?

Samples (suspected hybrids and putative parent plants) are to be supplied by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

18) What kinds of expertise is the sponsor looking for in applicants?

The sponsor is looking for a researcher or team with specialized expertise in molecular characterization of aquatic plants, including experience identifying hybrids among macrophytes using genetic tools. The notice also emphasizes demonstrated capability in biogeographic characterization of water chestnut.

19) What expectations are described for scientific track record and communication?

The notice calls for a solid track record of collecting samples, performing rigorous genetic analyses, and communicating results through national and international scientific channels.

20) What planning documents will the selected applicant be expected to prepare?

The selected applicant is expected to translate the research into clear project planning and deliverables, including preparing a formal Statement of Work and a Work Plan describing methods, milestones, and deliverables.

21) What reporting deliverables are required?

Deliverables are structured around regular progress updates. The awardee must submit four quarterly status reports each year and one annual report each year for the life of the contract.

22) What should the reports focus on besides reporting progress?

The reports are meant to document progress and interpret results as they emerge, specifically connecting molecular characterization outcomes to the morphological differences seen in northeastern U.S. water chestnut populations.

23) What practical outcomes are expected from the research?

The intent is not only to generate genetic data, but to interpret it in a way that helps agencies understand what they are observing in the field and what it implies for identification, population differences, spread risk, monitoring, and management.

24) Is the project solely about confirming hybrids?

No. Confirming whether hybridization has occurred is central, but the opportunity also emphasizes mapping relationships among samples (via phylogenetic and/or network analyses) and tying genetic findings back to field-observed morphology and management-relevant interpretation.

25) How does the opportunity describe the field issue being addressed?

It highlights a key management question: whether plants that look unusual in the field are just morphological variants of an introduced species or represent true hybrids formed between different Trapa lineages.