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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Lauderdale, Florida » Invasive Plant Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #272483
Title: Plant genotype effects on a host specific thrips and the impact on biological control

Author
item Wheeler, Gregory
item WILLIAMS, D - Texas Christian University
item MOUND, L - Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

Submitted to: Journal of Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/14/2010
Publication Date: 10/1/2010
Citation: Wheeler, G.S., Williams, D.A., Mound, L.A. 2010. Plant genotype effects on a host specific thrips and the impact on biological control. Journal of Insect Science. Vol. 10, Article 166.

Interpretive Summary: Brazilian pepper is among the worst environmental weeds in Florida and other areas of the US. This species occupies diverse habitats causing many environmental problems including decreased biodiversity of the infested areas. Although chemical controls are known and used to control this invasive species, biological control presents an attractive alternative when practiced safely. This weed comes from Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. The USDA/ARS Invasive Plant lab with colleagues at the South American Biological Control Lab and cooperating universities in Brazil and the US have been searching for insects that will be safe and effective at controlling this weed in the US. By conducting monthly surveys many new insects are being found in South America. These include new moths, wasps, and caterpillar species. Several of these species are undergoing testing to determine suitability and safety for release in the US. Progress will be presented describing the potential of these insects as biological control agents.

Technical Abstract: Brazilian pepper is among the worst environmental weeds in Florida and other areas of the US. This species occupies diverse habitats causing many environmental problems including decreased biodiversity of the infested areas. Although chemical controls are known and used to control this invasive species, biological control presents an attractive alternative when practiced safely. This weed comes from Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. The USDA/ARS Invasive Plant lab with colleagues at the South American Biological Control Lab and cooperating universities in Brazil and the US have been searching for insects that will be safe and effective at controlling this weed in the US. By conducting monthly surveys many new insects are being found in South America. These include new moths, wasps, and caterpillar species. Several of these species are undergoing testing to determine suitability and safety for release in the US. Progress will be presented describing the potential of these insects as biological control agents.