Project Number: 6615-22000-026-15
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Aug 10, 2012
End Date: Aug 09, 2015

Objective:
Study the feasibility of the biological control of the Argentine Cactus Moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, in the USA.

Approach:
Explorations for potential cactus moth biological control agents will be conducted in Argentina, primarily the newly identified braconid wasp Apanteles opuntiarum. Living colonies of the natural enemies in their cactus moth hosts will be shipped to Florida quarantine facilities (Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology and/or FL Dept. of Plant Industry). Studies on biology, host specificity, and efficacy will be conducted on the potential biological control agents. Any other information necessary to obtain permission to release the biological control agent will be obtained.