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Background Aroeira or Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae: Rhoeae), is one of the worst invasive plants in California, Florida, and Hawaii, USA because of its wide distribution, adaptation to various habitats, toxicity, and demonstrated negative impacts on biodiversity. Chemical and mechanical methods provide only temporary control, are expensive, may damage native plants, and often create disturbance conducive to reinvasion by Brazilian peppertree and other invasive weeds. The leaflet galling psyllid Calophya terebinthifolii Burckhardt & Basset (Calophyidae: Calophyinae) is native to South America and recent studies have shown this insect attacks only Brazilian peppertree. Nymphs complete their development in open pit galls that create nutrient sinks, which divert resources away from normal plant growth and reproduction. Objective The objective of this study was to confirm the biological control potential of C. terebinthifolii . Methods We used a randomized complete block design with four treatments (chemical exclusion [control], natural infestation, low and high psyllid densities) replicated in space. Results At low densities, C. terebinthifolii significantly reduced flower production by 80.6% and 93.9%, respectively, compared to the chemical exclusion treatment. At high densities, the psyllid completely inhibited fruit production. Furthermore, leaf and stem biomass were significantly reduced following sustained attack by the psyllid C. terebinthifolii . Conclusions Overall, our results confirmed that feeding damage by this psyllid negatively impacts above ground vegetative growth and reproduction of Brazilian peppertree. Therefore, C. terebinthifolii should be considered for introduction into Florida for biological control of this invasive shrub.

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae), is an ornamental shrub from South America that is invasive in Florida, California, Hawaii and Texas, USA and has become a global...

Hydrilla verticillatais an aquatic weed that grows densely throughout the water column and is costly to manage. The hydrilla tip mining midge,Cricotopus lebetis, a potential augmentative biological control agent of hydrilla, feeds on the apical meristem preventing growth. The goal of this study was to quantify the influence of a predator (mosquitofish,Gambusiasp.) and a competitor (hydrilla leafcutter moth,Parapoynx diminutalis) and their interactions, on the ability of the midge to survive and feed on hydrilla. The first experiment involved six treatments established in 37.8 L tanks with combinations of the organisms, including larvalC. lebetis. Survival to adult midge eclosion was significantly reduced in the presence of the predator but was unaffected by the competitor’s presence alone. Apical meristem damage was reduced when both the competitor and predator were present. The second experiment included four treatments withC. lebetisegg masses or larvae and the presence or absence of mosquitofish. AddingC. lebetisas eggs rather than as larvae increased midge survival in the absence of the predator. Midge survival was lower when larvae were added, but the predator had no additional effect. To facilitate successful establishment of the midge and control of hydrilla, high numbers of larvae should be released to overcome predation.

Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi, Anacardiaceae) is an aggressive invasive species that occurs in peninsular Florida, USA. Current management techniques are expensive, require repeated application, and cause non-target damage in ecologically sensitive habitats. Calophya lutea Burckhardt and Calophya terebinthifolii Burckhardt & Basset (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) were found damaging Brazilian peppertree in Brazil. To determine if C. lutea and C. terebinthifolii are suitable biological control agents of Brazilian peppertree, host specificity testing was conducted in a quarantine laboratory. In total, 97 plant species were tested, and oviposition and gall initiation were evaluated under no-choice conditions. Calophya lutea and C. terebinthifolii oviposited on nine and five of the 97 plant species tested, respectively. The majority of the eggs were laid on Brazilian peppertree and complete immature development with adult emergence occurred only on Brazilian peppertree. Adult longevity and behavior were determined in a separated experiment on all non-target species on which Calophya oviposited during the host specificity experiment. Adult longevity was four to five times longer on Brazilian peppertree when compared to non-target species. Based on our results, we conclude that both C. lutea and C. terebinthifolii are host-specific and form galls and complete development only on Brazilian peppertree. Therefore, these agents are considered safe to release in Florida and should be incorporated into the ongoing biological control program.

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) is an introduced ornamental tree from South America that has become one of the most invasive weeds in Hawaii and Florida, USA. Exploratory surveys in the plant’s native range from 1950 to 2014 identified several potential biological control agents. One of these is the leaflet rolling moth Episimus unguiculus Clarke (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), previously known as Episimus utilis Zimmerman. This biological control agent was released in Hawaii in the 1950s where high densities were occasionally observed, leading to partial control of S. terebinthifolia by the 1960s. Larvae are leaf tiers capable of completely defoliating small plants. In order to investigate the release of E. unguiculus in the continental USA, a series of laboratory no- choice, and multiple-choice tests were conducted in Florida, and a preliminary open field test with a native plant in Hawaii. Under the confined laboratory conditions imposed during the no-choice tests, E. unguiculus accepted the economically important Pistacia spp. and several other non-target plants for oviposition and development. However, in the multiple-choice tests E. unguiculus exhibited a clear preference for S. terebinthifolia relative to non-target plants accepted in the no-choice tests. Overall, the results of field observations during surveys in South America and Hawaii and host range studies completed in Hawaii and Florida showed that E. unguiculus is a narrow specialist on S. terebinthifolia, its natural host plant.

Understanding how the biological invasion is driven by environmental factors will improve model prediction and advance early detection, especially in the context of accelerating anthropogenic ecological changes. Although a large body of studies has examined how favorable environments promote biological invasions, a more comprehensive and mechanistic understanding of invasive species response to unfavorable/stressful conditions is still developing. Grass invasion has been problematic across the globe; in particular, C4 grass invaders, with high drought tolerance, adaptations to high temperatures, and high water use efficiency, could become more severe. Here, we conducted a rigorous microcosm experiment, with one of the most damaging invasive C4 grass - cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), to explore how cogongrass responds to soil water and nutrient stress. We further integrated the results of the microcosm study with a species distribution model to (1) corroborate greenhouse results with field observations and (2) validate the robustness of our findings at sub-continental scales. Both the microcosm experiments and species distribution model agreed that soil water stress had a stronger impact on cogongrass than the nutrient one. New vegetative growth of cogongrass continued to be inhibited by the prior water stress. The significant water effect on cogongrass total biomass was supported by the finding that both allometric and biochemical traits of cogongrass did not show significant responses to the changes in water treatment. Different to the conventional wisdom that nutrient enrichment plays a bigger role in facilitating biological invasions, this study highlighted the possibility that water conditions may have a more substantial effect on some aggressive invaders. Therefore, an important implication of this study on biological conservation is that field managers might take advantage of the negative effect of global drought on some invasive species to increase the efficiency of their controlling efforts because invasive species may become more vulnerable under drought effect.

Methionine is a naturally occurring amino acid that has demonstrated toxic properties for control of larval mosquitoes in laboratory experiments. Methionine offers many desirable qualities for an effective, biorational pesticide, including its minimal effects on non-target species. Because previous studies regarding this amino acid’s toxicity were laboratory based, the next step is to establish if methionine is likely to have similar effects in natural water bodies before attempting costly field trials. Therefore, the goal of this study was to test the effectiveness of DL-methionine applied to various water sources. Concentration response experiments conducted in glass jars used larval Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) as a model organism. Well, deionized, and pond water were evaluated in the study. In general, increased mortality of Ae. aegypti larvae occurred with increasing concentrations of DL-methionine at 48 h. However, larval DL-methionine LC50 values were not different between water sources. This study has shown that DL-methionine can be added to various water sources as a possible biorational larvicide when applied to natural water sources such as ponds or water-holding containers that often are preferred larval developmental sites for a variety of mosquito disease vectors. Resumo La metionina es un aminoacido natural que ha demostrado propiedades toxicas para el control de larvas de mosquitos en experimentos de laboratorio. La metionina ofrece muchas cualidades deseables para un pesticida eficaz bioracional, incluido sus efectos minimos en especies no objetivo. Debido a que los estudios previos sobre la toxicidad de este aminoacido se realizaron en laboratorio, el siguiente paso es establecer la probabilidad de que la metionina tenga efectos similares en los cuerpos de agua naturales antes de intentar costosos ensayos de campo. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue probar la efectividad de la DL-metionina aplicada a diversas fuentes de agua. Los experimentos de respuesta a la concentracion realizados en frascos de vidrio utilizaron larvas de Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) como organismo modelo. En el estudio se evaluo el agua de pozo, desionizada y de estanque. En general, el aumento de la mortalidad de las larvas de Ae. aegypti se presentaron con concentraciones crecientes de DL-metionina a las 48 h. Sin embargo, los valores de CL50 de DL-metionina de las larvas no fueron diferentes entre las fuentes de agua. Este estudio ha demostrado que se puede agregar DL-metionina a varias fuentes de agua como un posible larvicida bioracional cuando se aplica a fuentes de agua naturales como estanques o recipientes con agua que a menudo son los sitios preferidos de desarrollo larvario para una variedad de mosquitos vectores de enfermedades. Key Words: Aedes aegypti; larvae; Culicidae; pesticide; biorational; pond; lethal concentration View this article in BioOne

Mosquito larvicides are an effective tool for reducing numbers of adult females that bite and potentially spread pathogenic organisms. Methionine, an essential amino acid in humans, has been previously demonstrated to be a highly effective larvicide against four (4) mosquito species in three (3) genera, Anopheles, Culex and Aedes. The aim of the present study was to determine the potential impact on non-target aquatic organisms of methionine applied as a mosquito larvicide. D L -methionine concentrations ranging from 0.06% to 1.00% were used; wherein the highest concentration of 1.00% would result in 100% mortality within 48 h in mosquitoes. Acute toxicity assays were conducted in accordance with the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) guidelines for the water flea (Daphnia magna Straus; Cladocera: Daphniidae) and the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas Rafinesque; Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae). Water fleas and fish were placed directly into the solutions in glass containers and tanks for 48-hours and 96-hours, respectively. When applied within the above-mentioned range of effective mosquito larvicide concentrations, D L -methionine meets US EPA criteria as a "practically non-toxic" pesticide for both species. These results suggest that methionine is a viable alternative to current mosquito larvicide options, which are typically classified as moderately to highly toxic and may be a valuable addition to a mosquito integrated pest management program.

The Brazilian peppertree thrips, Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), is an insect native to Brazil (Figure 1). This species has been studied for the last 20+ years as a potential biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae), in Florida (Cuda et al. 2008; Cuda et al. 2008; Manrique at al. 2014; Wheeler et al. 2016a, b). Host specificity experiments demonstrated that Pseudophilothrips ichini has a limited host range (Cuda et al. 2008; Cuda et al. 2009; Wheeler et al. 2017) and can cause a severe reduction of Brazilian peppertree biomass (Manrique at al. 2014).https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1270

Background Mosquito larvicides provide a source-reduction strategy to diminish adult females that bite and potentially spread pathogens. Demands are mounting for new and innovative effective biorational larvicides, due to the development of resistance to some currently utilized mosquito larvicides, undesirable non-target effects, and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restrictions. Methionine is a human nutrient essential amino acid that unexpectedly has been shown to be a valuable safe pest management tool against select insect pests that possess alkaline gut physiology. The present study evaluated larvicidal toxicity of methionine in several pestiferous mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) genera. Results Concentration-dependent DL-methionine kinetics assays of survival and pupation were conducted in larvae of Aedes albopictus Skuse, Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say, and Culex tarsalis Coquillett in glass jars. High concentrations of DL-methionine yielded 100% mortality for all test species and prevented pupation at a rate equivalent to Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) treatments. Concentration kinetics indicated that An. quadrimaculatus was 10-fold more sensitive to DL-methionine than Ae. albopictus and Cx. tarsalis. Conclusions EPA regulations currently exempt methionine in pesticide formulations applied to agricultural crops. This study demonstrates that methionine is a highly effective mosquito larvicide that can provide a beneficial new biorational, environmentally sustainable tool to control pestiferous mosquitoes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Methionine is an essential/indispensible amino acid nutrient required by adult and larval honey bees (Apis mellifera L. [Hymenoptera: Apidae]). Bees are unable to rear broods on pollen deficient in methionine, and reportedly behaviorally avoid collecting pollen or nectar from florets deficient in methioinine. In contrast, it has been demonstrated that methionine is toxic to certain pest insects; thus it has been proposed as an effective biopesticide. As an ecofriendly integrated pest management agent, methionine boasts a novel mode of action differentiating it from conventional pesticides, while providing non-target safety. Pesticides that minimize collateral effects on bees are desirable, given the economic and ecological concerns about honey bee health. The aim of the present study was to assess the potential impact of the biopesticide methionine on non-target adult and larval honey bees. Acute contact adult toxicology bioassays, oral adult assessments and chronic larval toxicity assessments were performed as per U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. Our results demonstrated that methionine fits the U.S. EPA category of practically nontoxic (i.e. lethal dose to 50% mortality or LD50 > 11µg/bee) to adult honey bees. The contact LD50 was > 25µg/bee and the oral LD50 was > 100µg/bee. Mortality was observed in larval bees that ingested DL-methionine (effective concentration to 50% mortality or EC50 560µg/bee). Therefore, we conclude that methionine poses little threat to the health of the honey bee, due to unlikely exposure at concentrations shown to elicit toxic effects.

Hydrilla, Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle (Hydrocharitaceae), is an invasive aquatic macrophyte found in fresh water. The introduction of hydrilla by the aquarium plant trade has led to its invasion throughout much of the southern US and its current listing as a federal noxious weed. Hydrilla employs many pathways of reproduction and once established can rapidly fill the water column, impeding recreation and negatively affecting the environment. Waterways infested with hydrilla typically experience matting of vegetation at the surface that results in less light penetration, and changes in dissolved oxygen levels, which disturb native species richness and diversity. Efforts to minimize hydrilla populations include using biological control agents such as the hydrilla tip mining midge, Cricotopus lebetis Sublette (Diptera: Chironomidae). The larvae of C. lebetis feed on the apical meristem of hydrilla tips, disabling further vertical growth and forcing growth into a branched horizontal direction. Currently, a colony of C. lebetis is being mass-reared to augment midge populations throughout hydrilla-infested waters. In order to maintain colony viability for effective releases, midge eggs must be collected and placed on hydrilla before larvae exhaust endogenous nutrient reserves. To understand the effects of larval starvation on survival and subsequent development to adult eclosion, neonates at 0, 1, 2, and 3 d post-hatch were studied with and without access to food. Midge survival and adult eclosion decreased significantly after continued starvation post-hatch. Larvae starved for 2 d post-hatch did not eclose. Highest survival to adult eclosion occurred when midge larvae were placed on hydrilla as soon as they hatched (48 h post-oviposition). This study highlights fundamental information necessary for efficient midge rearing for effective biological control of hydrilla.

Aroeira ou pimenta rosa, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardaceae), planta nativa da Argentina, Brasil, Paraguai e Uruguai é uma das plantas daninhas mais invasivas na Flórida. Em sua região de origem, pelo menos 4 espécies de psilídeos do gênero Calophya (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) estão associados a esta planta. Todas as quatro espécies são monófagas e provavelmente constituem um grupo monofilético que induzem galhas lenticulares abertas, usualmente na face superior da folha. Aqui a taxonomia das 4 espécies é revisada, 2 das quais são descritas como novas, C. lutea sp. nov. e C. praestigiator sp. nov. Diferenças morfológicas entre as 4 espécies são detalhadas e estruturas relevantes são ilustradas. Fornecemos chave para identificação de adultos e imaturos de quinto instar para as 8 espécies conhecidas como indutoras de galhas em espécies de Schinus. Made available in DSpace on 2018-06-29T01:37:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2018DalvaFETaxonomy.pdf: 14574224 bytes, checksum: bdd91c2158f8f36e9cc15403aec50352 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-06-28

In this document we introduce a standardized set of seven terms compiled by the members of the UF|IFAS Invasive Species Council that can describe most situations involving invasive species. We do so to promote a common language among Florida’s Extension and outreach professionals. This will limit confusion caused by excessive jargon used to describe invasive species and the fact that much of this jargon is used incorrectly. This confusion hinders stakeholder understanding of environmental and economic impacts caused by invasive species which can prevent stakeholders from adopting behaviors that can both limit the introduction of new invasive species and decrease the impacts of those already established. The seven terms we propose are “native”, “nonnative”, “introduced”, “established”, “invasive”, “nuisance”, and “range change”. We also list six terms to avoid due to their tendency to create confusion and/or be misused and misinterpreted (“native invasive”, “invasive exotic”, “invasive weed”, “alien”, “foreign”, and “nonindigenous”) as well as precise definitions of common legal terms (“noxious weed”, “injurious”, “prohibited”, and “conditional/restricted”). By speaking this common language, Florida’s Extension and outreach professionals can deliver a simplified and unified message about the impacts of invasive species and how to best prevent and control them, potentially increasing the environmental and socioeconomic benefits of invasive species Extension and outreach programs.

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae), is an ornamental dioecious shrub introduced from South America that has become one of the major invasive weeds in Florida. Anecdotal evidence from the literature suggests that crushed leaves from female plants produce a more pungent aroma, indicating these plants may be better defended chemically than their male counterparts. To test this hypothesis, we compared the performance (adult feeding and survival) of the South American stem boring weevil Apocnemidophorus piptzi (Faust) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) by caging insects on foliage collected from both male and female Brazilian peppertree plants. Results showed that weevils consumed significantly less leaf tissue from female plants compared to male plants. Furthermore, the LT50 (average time required to cause 50% mortality of the weevils) was significantly shorter when weevils fed exclusively on female leaf tissue. Our findings confirmed male-biased plant herbivory on Brazilian peppertree by one of its folivorous natural enemies.

This publication is one of a series with the purpose of providing information to empower citizens of Florida to protect Florida's natural areas from melaleuca and other invasive plant species. This document is SS-AGR-96, one of a series of the Agronomy Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 2005. SS-AGR-96/AG241: Natural Area Weeds: A Property Owner's Guide to Melaleuca Control (ufl.edu)

A seed-attacking weevil was recently found attacking Chinese privet in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida (Cuda and Zeller 1998). The insect was discovered in a sample of several hundred seeds collected for germination studies. Six weevil adults that emerged from the infested seed sample were later identified (by M.C. Thomas) as the ligustrum weevil, Ochyromera ligustri Warner. The remaining seed stock from Tallahassee was dissected and inspected for the presence of the insect. Weevil larvae were recovered from 89 of the 358 seeds examined. Overall, 24.9% of the Chinese privet seeds collected were infested with weevil larvae. Voucher specimens of the larval and adult stages of the ligustrum weevil were deposited in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods, Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Gainesville. This document is EENY-343, one of a series of Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published: May 2005. EENY343/IN620: Ligustrum Weevil (suggested common name), Ochyromera ligustri Warner (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Tychiinae: Tychiini: Endaeina) (ufl.edu)

An invasive weed is a nonnative plant that exhibits rapid population growth following its arrival in a new environment where it did not evolve. The success of the weed in its new habitat is due in part to the absence of the natural enemies that normally limit its reproduction and spread in its native range. Classical biological control seeks to reunite an invasive weed with one or more of its co-evolved natural enemies to provide permanent control of the weed. This document is ENY-828, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published: May 2005. ENY-828/IN607: How Scientists Obtain Approval to Release Organisms for Classical Biological Control of Invasive Weeds (ufl.edu)

Cogongrass, Imperata cylindrica (L.) Palisot de Beauvois (Cyperales: Poaceae), is a serious invasive weed in the southeastern USA. Surveys for potential biological control agents of cogongrass were conducted in Asia and East Africa from 2013 to 2016. Several insect herbivores were found that may have restricted host ranges based on field collection data and life histories. Stemborers in the genus Acrapex (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were collected from cogongrass in Tanzania, Uganda, and Japan. In the Philippines, larvae of Emmalocera sp. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Chilo sp. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) were found boring in cogongrass. Cecidomyiid midges were found in both Japan and Indonesia. A Japanese midge identified as a Contarinia sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) caused deformation of the stem, whereas the Indonesian midge Orseolia javanica Kieffer & van Leeuwen-Reijinvaan (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) induced the formation of a basal stem gall. Previous research suggested that the host range of O. javanica was restricted to cogongrass.

The hydrilla tip mining midge, Cricotopus lebetis Sublette (Diptera: Chironomidae), is a biological control agent of the invasive aquatic weed hydrilla, Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle (Hydrocharitaceae). Mass rearing of the midge for augmentative releases can be compromised by competition from the adventive hydrilla leafcutter moth, Parapoynx diminutalis Snellen (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The objective of this study was to evaluate the biorational pesticide Bacillus thuringiensis (subspecies kurstaki) (Btk) for reducing competition by the moth in laboratory colonies of the hydrilla tip mining midge. Dose response bioassays with Btk were completed with both species to determine the minimum concentration that kills the moth without affecting midge production. Adult moth emergence was significantly reduced at concentrations of 2.0 mL Btk per 3.8 L of well water. A concentration of 0.2 mL Btk per 3.8 L of well water also reduced the number of emerging moths by 50%. However, midge development declined, although not significantly at the higher 2.0 mL Btk concentration compared with the control. Therefore, concentrations of 0.2 or 2.0 mL Btk per 3.8 L of well water would be appropriate for controlling competition by P. diminutalis in C. lebetis colonies. The lower concentration (0.2 mL Btk) would be appropriate for maintenance control due to its minimal impact on the midge. However, a severe infestation of P. diminutalis might justify the higher concentration of 2.0 mL Btk for maximum impact on the moth. Implementing selective pest management strategies in a biological control agent colony can help increase production and improve the quality of the insects. ResumenEl jejen minador de la punta de hidrilla, Cricotopus lebetis Sublette (Diptera: Chironomidae), es un agente de control biologico de la maleza hidrilla acuatica invasora, Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle (Hydrocharitaceae). La cria en masa del jejen para la liberacion aumentativa puede estar comprometida por la competencia con la polilla cortadora de hoja de hidrilla adventiva, Parapoynx diminutalis Snellen (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el pesticida biorracional Bacillus thuringiensis (subespecie kurstaki) (Btk) para reducir la competencia por la polilla en las colonias de laboratorio del jejen minador de la punta de hidrilla. Se hicieron bioensayos de la respuesta a la dosis de Btk con las dos especies para determinar la concentracion minima que mata a la polilla sin afectar la produccion del jejen. La emergencia de los adultos de la polilla se redujo significativamente a concentraciones de 2,0 ml Btk por 3,8 L de agua de pozo. Una concentracion de 0,2 ml Btk por 3,8 L de agua de pozo tambien redujo el numero de polillas emergentes en un 50%. Sin embargo, el desarrollo del jejen se redujo, aunque no de forma significativa en la mayor concentracion de 2,0 ml de Btk en comparacion con el control. Por lo tanto, las concentraciones de 0,2 o 2,0 ml Btk por 3,8 L de agua asi serian apropiadas para el manejo de la competencia por P. diminutalis en colonias de C. lebetis. La concentracion mas baja (0,2 ml Btk) seria apropiada para el mantenimiento del control debido a su impacto minimo sobre el jejen. Sin embargo, una infestacion severa de P. diminutalis podria justificar la mayor concentracion de 2,0 ml Btk para el maximo impacto sobre la polilla. La aplicacion de estrategias de manejo de plagas selectivas en una colonia agente de control biologico puede ayudar a aumentar la produccion y mejorar la calidad de los insectos. View this article in BioOne

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae), was introduced into Florida, USA, from South America as an ornamental plant in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It eventually escaped cultivation and is a serious threat to the state’s biodiversity. In the 1980s, this invasive weed was targeted for classical biocontrol. Surveys for natural enemies of Brazilian peppertree conducted in the native range resulted in the discovery of several candidate biocontrol agents. A stem-boring weevil identified as Apocnemidophorus pipitzi (Faust) was collected in Paraguay and transported under permit to Florida, USA. A laboratory colony of A. pipitzi was established in April 2007 by caging adults on cut branches of Brazilian peppertree supplemented with leaf bouquets. Adults are defoliators that feed mainly on the upper surface of subterminal leaflets. Females deposit eggs singly inside the stems and larvae feed under the bark where they damage the vascular cambium. There are five instar...

As part of an ongoing effort on biocontrol of hygrophila, Hygrophila polysperma, a combination of microsatellite and chloroplast DNA sequences were used to examine the genetic variation of exotic and native populations of this invasive weed and to understand its invasion history. In the US, hygrophila is well established in Florida and Texas and also is found in Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina and Virginia. This weed is also invasive in Australia, Germany and Mexico. Plant samples were collected from all regions that hygrophila is known to have invaded as well as its native range in India (West Bengal and Assam) and Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Results showed that hygrophila genotypes across the invasive regions are nearly identical and appear to be from a similar clonal lineage. In contrast, native genotypes were highly variable and consisted of 49 multi-locus genotypes (MLGs). The lack of genetic variation and available historical information suggest that hygrophila was first introduced to the US and this population acted as a source for secondary introduction to Mexico and Australia. The German population may be the result of an independent introduction from the same source population.