Research Project: Identification, Evaluation, and Implementation of Biological Control Agents for Invasive Weeds of Southeastern Ecosystems

Location: Invasive Plant Research Laboratory

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Temporal optimization of abamectin use on Schinus terebinthifolia used to rear Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), its biological control agent - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Halbritter, D.A., Leidi, J.G., Rayamajhi, M.B. 2022. Temporal optimization of abamectin use on Schinus terebinthifolia used to rear Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), its biological control agent. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2022.2085661.

Using molecular gut content analysis to identify key predators in a classical weed biological control system: a study with Neomusotima conspurcatalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Jones, I.M., Madeira, P.T., Blair, Z.J., Lake, E.C. 2021. Using molecular gut content analysis to identify key predators in a classical weed biological control system: a study with Neomusotima conspurcatalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Biocontrol. 66:825–836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-021-10090-x.

Reproductive stage and clutch size incur energetic and oxidative costs in an endangered iguana, Ctenosaura oedirhina - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
French, S.S., Virgin, E.E., Ki, K.C., Maryon, D.F., Goode, A.B., Pasachnik, S.A. 2021. Reproductive stage and clutch size incur energetic and oxidative costs in an endangered iguana, Ctenosaura oedirhina. Herpetologica. 55(2):192–200. https://doi.org/10.1670/20-099.

Phenological synchrony between a weed (Dioscorea bulbifera) and a biocontrol agent (Lilioceris cheni) in the introduced range, Florida: implication in biological control - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Rayamajhi, M.B., Rohrig, E., Lake, E.C., Smith, M., Pratt, P.D., Dray Jr, F.A., Halbritter, D.A., Leidi, J.G. 2021. Phenological synchrony between a weed (Dioscorea bulbifera) and a biocontrol agent (Lilioceris cheni) in the introduced range, Florida: implication in biological control. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 31(8):797–816. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2021.1885627.

Life history trade-offs of thrips reared on fertilized and unfertilized Brazilian peppertree with respect to changes in plant terpenoid profiles - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Halbritter, D.A., Wheeler, G.S. 2021. Life history trade-offs of thrips reared on fertilized and unfertilized Brazilian peppertree with respect to changes in plant terpenoid profiles. Biological Control. 156 (2021) 104553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2021.104553.

Water availability modifies effects of biodiversity and nitrogen addition on plant productivity in long-term experiments in a mesic grassland - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kazanski, C., Cowles, J., Dymond, S., Clark, A., David, A.S., Jungers, J., Kendig, A., Riggs, C., Trost, J., Wei, X. 2021. Water availability modifies effects of biodiversity and nitrogen addition on plant productivity in long-term experiments in a mesic grassland. Ecological Applications. 31(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2363.

Environmental stress destabilizes microbial networks - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hernandez, D., David, A.S., Menges, E., Searcy, C., Afkhami, M. 2021. Environmental stress destabilizes microbial networks. The ISME Journal: Multidisciplinary Journal of Microbial Ecology. 15:1722–1734. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41396-020-00882-x.

Proximity to host plant of a congener determines parasitism of a waterhyacinth biological control agent by a native parasitoid - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goode, A.B., Tipping, P.W., Pokorny, E.N., Knowles, B.K., Salinas, L.S., Gettys, L.A. 2020. Proximity to host plant of a congener determines parasitism of a waterhyacinth biological control agent by a native parasitoid. Biological Control. 153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2020.104477.

Is biological control for earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis) Feasible in the United States? - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Minteer, C., Smith, M., Madeira, P.T., Goosem, C., Zonnevald, R., Makinson, J., Wheeler, G.S., Purcell, M. 2020. Is biological control for earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis) Feasible in the United States? Biocontrol Science and Technology. 30(12):1275-1299. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2020.1833305.

First drone releases of the biological control agent Neomusotima conspurcatalis on Old World climbing fern - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lake, E.C., David, A.S., Spencer, T., Wilhelm, V., Barnett, T., Abdel-Kader, A., Carmona Cortes, A., Acuna, A., Mattison, E.D., Minteer, C. 2020. First drone releases of the biological control agent Neomusotima conspurcatalis on Old World climbing fern. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 31(1):97-106. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2020.1828280.

The biology of Casmara subagronoma (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae), a stem boring moth of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Myrtaceae): descriptions of the previously unknown adult female and immature stages, and its potential as a biologic - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wineriter-Wright, S., Smith, M., Metz, M., Makinson, J., Bradley, B., Purcell, M., Pratt, P.D. 2020. The biology of Casmara subagronoma (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae), a stem boring moth of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Myrtaceae): descriptions of the previously unknown adult female and immature stages, and its potential as a biologic. Insects. 11(10):653. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11100653.

Interactions among biological control agents on waterhyacinth: impacts of herbivory on the oviposition and development of Megamelus scutellaris - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goode, A.B., Knowles, B.K., Tipping, P.W., Foley, J., Gettys, L. 2020. Interactions among biological control agents on waterhyacinth: impacts of herbivory on the oviposition and development of Megamelus scutellaris. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 30(11):1244-1249. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2020.1804838.

Phylogenomics resolves the invasion history of Acacia auriculiformis in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mcculloch, G., Madeira, P.T., Makinson, J., Dutoit, L., Blair, Z., Walter, G., Nawaz, M., Purcell, M. 2020. Phylogenomics resolves the invasion history of Acacia auriculiformis in Florida. Journal of Biogeography. 48(2):453-464. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14013.

A new management tool for Chinese tallow trees: Biological control - (Popular Publication)
Diaz, R., Manrique, V., Wheeler, G.S. 2020. A new management tool for Chinese tallow trees: Biological control. Timber Tales. 169:4-5.

Fundamental host range of Lophodiplosis indentata (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), the last proposed biological control agent for Melaleuca quinquenervia (Myrtaceae) in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Smith, M., Wright, S., Clark, P.T., Pratt, P.D., Purcell, M., Brown, B. 2020. Fundamental host range of Lophodiplosis indentata (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), the last proposed biological control agent for Melaleuca quinquenervia (Myrtaceae) in Florida. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 30(10):1073-1082. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2020.1787345.

Colonization by biological control agents on post-fire regrowth of invasive Lygodium microphyllum (Lygodiaceae) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
David, A.S., Sebesta, N., Abdel-Kader, A., Lake, E.C. 2020. Colonization by biological control agents on post-fire regrowth of invasive Lygodium microphyllum (Lygodiaceae). Environmental Entomology. 49(4):796–802. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvaa076.

Exposed Neophasia terlooii (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) eggs are resistant to desiccation during quiescence - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Halbritter, D.A. 2020. Exposed Neophasia terlooii (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) eggs are resistant to desiccation during quiescence. Environmental Entomology. 49(4):918–923. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvaa066.

Acute toxicity of mosquito pesticides on weed biological control agents in South Florida, USA - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wheeler, G.S., Lake, E.C., Rayamajhi, M.B., Smith, M. 2020. Acute toxicity of mosquito pesticides on weed biological control agents in South Florida, USA. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 30(8):855-861. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2020.1768220.

Allometric equations for the invasive vine air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) in its exotic range in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Rayamajhi, M.B., Rohrig, E., Tipping, P.W., Pratt, P.D., Leidi, J.G. 2020. Allometric equations for the invasive vine air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) in its exotic range in Florida. Invasive Plant Science and Management. 13(2):76-83. https://doi.org/10.1017/inp.2020.15.

Linking fire-driven changes in microbial communities to their beneficial effects on plant communities using metatranscriptomics and manipulative experiments - (Abstract Only)

Eriophyid mite (Floracarus perrepae) reduces climbing ability of the invasive vine Lygodium microphyllum - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
David, A.S., Lake, E.C. 2020. Eriophyid mite (Floracarus perrepae) reduces climbing ability of the invasive vine Lygodium microphyllum. Biological Control. 146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2020.104271.

Do plant-microbe interactions support the Stress Gradient Hypothesis? - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
David, A.S., Thapa-Magar, K., Menges, E., Searcy, C., Afkhami, M. 2020. Do plant-microbe interactions support the Stress Gradient Hypothesis?. Ecology. 101(8). https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.3081.

Defoliation of the invasive fern Lygodium microphyllum by Neomusotima conspurcatalis: effects on plant performance across a range of light conditions - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Jones, I., Lake, E.C. 2020. Defoliation of the invasive fern Lygodium microphyllum by Neomusotima conspurcatalis: effects on plant performance across a range of light conditions. Biological Control. 144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2020.104236.

Potential for negative interactions between successful arthropod and weed biological control programs: a case study with Lilioceris species - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lake, E.C., Tewksbury, L., Smith, M., Dray Jr, F.A., Russell, A., Madeira, P.T., Rayamajhi, M.B., Casagrande, R. 2020. Potential for negative interactions between successful arthropod and weed biological control programs: a case study with Lilioceris species. Biological Control. 144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2020.104218.

Temperature dependent survival and fecundity of Lepidelphax pistiae Remes Lenicov (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) a potential biological control agent of Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goode, A.B., Minteer, C., Tipping, P.W., Pokorny, E.N., Valmonte, R., Foley, J., Knowles, B.K. 2020. Temperature dependent survival and fecundity of Lepidelphax pistiae Remes Lenicov (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) a potential biological control agent of Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae). Biocontrol Science and Technology. 30(4):396-401. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2020.1713299.

Desiccation risk of biological control agent pupae in a mass release strategy - (Abstract Only)

Phylogeography and population genetics of pine butterflies: sky islands increase genetic divergence - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Halbritter, D.A., Kawahara, A., Storer, C., Daniels, J. 2019. Phylogeography and population genetics of pine butterflies: sky islands increase genetic divergence. Ecology and Evolution. 9(23):13389-13401. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.5793.

THREE SPECIES OF HETEROPERREYIA (HYMENOPTERA: PERGIDAE) FEEDING ON BRAZILIAN PEPPERTREES, SCHINUS SPP. (ANACARDIACEAE), INCLUDING A NEW SPECIES - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Smith, D.R., Wheeler, G.S., Sanchez-Restrepo, A., Mc Kay, F., Guala, M., Coria, C. 2019. THREE SPECIES OF HETEROPERREYIA (HYMENOPTERA: PERGIDAE) FEEDING ON BRAZILIAN PEPPERTREES, SCHINUS SPP. (ANACARDIACEAE), INCLUDING A NEW SPECIES. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 121(4):704-719. https://doi.org/10.4289/0013-8797.121.4.704.

Persistence of Biological Control Agents in Waterhyacinth Following Herbicide Application - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goode, A.B., Tipping, P.W., Gettys, L., Knowles, B.K., Valmonte, R., Pokorny, E.N. 2020. Effect of refuges on the fate of biocontrol agent populations. Florida Entomologist. 103(1):132-135. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.103.0423.

Importation biological control - (Book / Chapter)
Hoddle, M., Lake, E.C., Minteer, C., Daane, K. 2021. Importation Biological Control. In: Mason, P.G. Biological Control: A Global Endeavour. First Edition: CSIRO Publishing. 67-89.

Assessing the conservation status of an island endemic, Ctenosaura oedirhina, on Roatan, Honduras - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goode, A.B., Pasachnik, S., Maple, T. 2020. Assessing the conservation status of an island endemic, Ctenosaura oedirhina, on Roatan, Honduras. Wildlife Research. 47(2):137-145. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR18195.

California’s imperiled herpetofauna illustrate the importance of standardized methods for classifying extinction risk - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mothes, C., Clements, S., Hewavithana, D., Howell, H., David, A.S., Searcy, C., Leventhal, N. 2019. California’s imperiled herpetofauna illustrate the importance of standardized methods for classifying extinction risk. Conservation Biology. 34(3):754-761. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13421.

A novel method for quantifying insect damage to plant storage organs - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Dray Jr, F.A., Goldstein, S. 2019. A novel method for quantifying insect damage to plant storage organs. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 168(1):113-117. https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12862.

Molecular identification of Azolla in the Yangtze River Watershed, China - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Madeira, P.T., Dray Jr, F.A., Tipping, P.W. 2019. Molecular identification of Azolla in the Yangtze River Watershed, China. Aquatic Botany. 159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2019.103149.

Biological control of mile-a-minute weed: challenges, accomplishments, and lessons learned - (Abstract Only)

Angels of death: The use of drones in the biological control of weeds - (Abstract Only)

Biological Control Update - (Abstract Only)

Testing for loss of Epichloë and non-epichloid symbionts under altered rainfall regimes - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
David, A.S., Bell-Dereske, L., Emery, S., Mccormick, B., Seabloom, E., Rudgers, J. 2019. Testing for loss of Epichloë and non-epichloid symbionts under altered rainfall regimes. American Journal of Botany. 106(8):1081-1089. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.1340.

Windspeed predicts population dynamics of the eriophyid mite Floracarus perrepae on invasive Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) in a shade house colony - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
David, A.S., Jones, I., Lake, E.C. 2019. Windspeed predicts population dynamics of the eriophyid mite Floracarus perrepae on invasive Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) in a shade house colony. Experimental and Applied Acarology. 78:263–272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-019-00391-3.

Simulation of post-hurricane impact on invasive species with biological control management - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Xu, L., Zdechlik, M., Smith, M., Rayamajhi, M.B., Deangelis, D., Zhang, B. 2019. Simulation of post-hurricane impact on invasive species with biological control management. Forests. 40(6):4059-4071. https://doi.org/10.3934/dcds.2020038.

Agent Petitions: Newbie Insights - (Abstract Only)

Soil microbiomes underlie population persistence of an endangered plant species - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
David, A.S., Quintana-Ascencio, P., Menges, E., Thapa-Magar, K., Michelle, A., Christopher, S. 2019. Soil microbiomes underlie population persistence of an endangered plant species. The American Naturalist. 194(4). https://doi.org/10.1086/704684.

Biological control ofLygodium microphyllum, Old World climbing fern: foreign exploration and host range testing - (Abstract Only)

Scrutinizing biological control survey data from the native range – the phylogeny and Lygodium fern host associations of Musotiminae moths - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
McCulloch, G., Makinson, J., Zonneveld, R., Purcell, M., Brookes, D., Gurdasani, K., Lake, E.C., Raghu, S., Walter, G. 2019. Scrutinizing biological control survey data from the native range – the phylogeny and Lygodium fern host associations of Musotiminae moths. Biological Control. 134:123-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2019.04.004.

Organic mulch can increase the survival of a weed biological control agent during laboratory mass rearing - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Halbritter, D.A., Wheeler, G.S. 2019. Organic mulch can increase the survival of a weed biological control agent during laboratory mass rearing. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 29(9):852-859. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2019.1608510.

Biological control of Lygodium microphyllum: field establishment, impact, and development of additional agents - (Abstract Only)

The first pupal parasitoids of Neomusotima conspurcatalis Warren (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a biological control agent of Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br. (Polypodiales: Lygodiaceae) in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lake, E.C., Kula, R.R., Gates, M.W., Smith, M., Minteer, C., Tipping, P.W. 2019. The first pupal parasitoids of Neomusotima conspurcatalis Warren (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a biological control agent of Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br. (Polypodiales: Lygodiaceae) in Florida. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 121(2):314-319. https://doi.org/10.4289/0013-8797.121.2.314.

Host range of Lepidelphax pistiae (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) and its potential impact on Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goode, A.B., Minteer, C., Tipping, P.W., Knowles, B.K., Valmonte, R., Foley, J., Gettys, L. 2019. Host range of Lepidelphax pistiae (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) and its potential impact on Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae). Biocontrol Science and Technology. 29(7):706-714. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2019.1587738.

Development of new biological control agents for Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum - (Abstract Only)

First report of foliar nectar production by Lygodium microphyllum (Lygodiaceae), an invasive fern in Florida - (Abstract Only)

Biological Control as Part of Integrated Weed Management of Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) - (Abstract Only)

Quarantine Testing to Develop Biological Control of Old World Climbing Fern Lygodium microphyllum in Florida - (Abstract Only)

Small-scale dispersal of a biological control agent – Implications for more effective releases - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goode, A.B., Minteer, C., Tipping, P.W., Knowles, B.K., Valmonte, R., Foley, J., Gettys, L. 2019. Small-scale dispersal of a biological control agent – Implications for more effective releases. Biological Control. 132:89-94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2019.01.016.

Preparing for release of the Asian leaf beetle, Lilioceris egena, a biological control of air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) in Florida - (Abstract Only)

Herbivory by the biocontrol agent Lilioceris cheni suppresses propagule production and smothering ability of the invasive vine Dioscorea bulbifera - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Rayamajhi, M.B., Rohrig, E., Leidi, J.G., Kerr, C., Salcedo, E., Poffenberger, R., Smith, M., Lake, E.C., Dray Jr, F.A., Pratt, P.D., Tipping, P.W., Center, T.D. 2019. Herbivory by the biocontrol agent Lilioceris cheni suppresses propagule production and smothering ability of the invasive vine Dioscorea bulbifera. Biological Control. 130:1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2018.12.001.

Asian needle ant (Brachyponera chinensis) and woodland ant responses to repeated applications of fuel reduction methods - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Campbell, J., Grodsky, S., Halbritter, D.A., Vigueira, P., Vigueira, C., Keller, O., Greenberg, C. 2019. Asian needle ant (Brachyponera chinensis) and woodland ant responses to repeated applications of fuel reduction methods. Ecosphere. 10(1):1-12. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.2547.

Interactions between two biological control agents on Lygodium microphyllum - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Jones, I., Lake, E.C. 2018. Interactions between two biological control agents on Lygodium microphyllum. Insects. 9(4):180. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects9040180.

Natural-enemies affect the seed and litter fall dynamics of Melaleuca quinquenervia in the wetlands, and influence long-term species diversity in leaf-litter - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Rayamajhi, M.B., Pratt, P.D., Tipping, P.W., Center, T.D., Leidi, J.G., Rodgers, L. 2018. Natural-enemies affect the seed and litter fall dynamics of Melaleuca quinquenervia in the wetlands, and influence long-term species diversity in leaf-litter. Wetlands Ecology and Management. 27(1):125-139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-018-9645-4.

The effects of a University/Secondary school partnership on the communication skills of STEM graduate students - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Chamely-Wiik, D., Haky, J., Louda, D., Romance, N., Goode, A.B., Vitale, M. 2018. The effects of a University/Secondary school partnership on the communication skills of STEM graduate students. International Journal of Science Education: Part B. 9(1):72-81. https://doi.org/10.1080/21548455.2018.1543978.

Evaluating an alleged mimic of the monarch butterfly: Neophasia (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) butterflies are palatable to avian predators - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Halbritter, D.A., Gordon, J., Keacher, K., Avery, M., Daniels, J. 2018. Evaluating an alleged mimic of the monarch butterfly: Neophasia (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) butterflies are palatable to avian predators. Insects. 9(4):150. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects9040150.

Plant phylogenetics inform efforts at biological control of Dioscorea bulbifera - (Abstract Only)

Toxic peptides in populations of two pergid sawflies, potential biocontrol agents of Brazilian peppertree - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Boeve, J., Rozenberg, R., Mc Kay, F., Wheeler, G.S. 2018. Toxic peptides in populations of two pergid sawflies, potential biocontrol agents of Brazilian peppertree. Journal of Chemical Ecology. 44(12):1139-1145. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-018-1021-6.

First report of foliar nectar production by Lygodium microphyllum (Lygodiaceae), an invasive fern in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sebesta, N., Jones, I.M., Lake, E.C. 2018. First report of foliar nectar production by Lygodium microphyllum (Lygodiaceae), an invasive fern in Florida. American Fern Journal. 108(4):180-183. https://doi.org/10.1640/0002-8444-108.4.180.

Will biological control agents of Lilioceris lilii, lily leaf beetle, parasitize congeneric weed biological control agents for air potato? - (Abstract Only)

The complete chloroplast genome of the invasive fern Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
McCulloch, G., Hereward, J., Lake, E.C., Smith, M., Purcell, M., Walter, G. 2018. The complete chloroplast genome of the invasive fern Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br. Mitochondrial DNA Part B. 3(2):746-747. https://doi.org/10.1080/23802359.2018.1483755.

Minimum threshold for establishment and dispersal of Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelide): a biological control agent of Dioscorea bulbifera - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lake, E.C., Smith, M., Rayamajhi, M.B., Pratt, P.D., Dray Jr, F.A. 2018. Minimum threshold for establishment and dispersal of Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelide): a biological control agent of Dioscorea bulbifera. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 28(6):603-613. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2018.1468999.

Flight response and human habituation in an insular endemic lizard - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goode, A.B., Pasachnik, S. 2019. Flight response and human habituation in an insular endemic lizard. Herpetological Review. 49(2):215-217.

Differences in winter cold hardiness support the geographic range disjunction of Neophasia menapia and Neophasia terlooii (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Halbritter, D.A., Teets, N., Williams, C., Daniels, J. 2018. Differences in winter cold hardiness support the geographic range disjunction of Neophasia menapia and Neophasia terlooii (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Journal of Insect Physiology. 107:204-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinsphys.2018.03.005.

Behavioral evidence for host transitions in plant, plant parasite, and insect interactions - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Halbritter, D.A., Willett, D., Gordon, J., Stelinski, L., Daniels, J. 2018. Behavioral evidence for host transitions in plant, plant parasite, and insect interactions. Environmental Entomology. 47(3):646-653. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvy033.

Apparent tolerance of low water availability in temperate Asian bamboos - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Smith, M., Mack, R.N. 2018. Apparent tolerance of low water availability in temperate Asian bamboos. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 36(1):7-13.

Changes in latitude: overwintering survival of two Lilioceris cheni(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) biotypes in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Smith, M., Overholt, W.C., Lake, E.C., Diaz, R., Manrique, V., Hight, S.D., Rohrig, E., Minteer, C., Wheeler, G.S., Rayamajhi, M.B., Bowers, K.E., Kerr, C. 2018. Changes in latitude: overwintering survival of two Lilioceris cheni(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) biotypes in Florida. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 28(3):293-306. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2018.1441371.

Entomological research in the classroom: the dispersal of biological control agents - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goode, A.B., Halbritter, D.A. 2019. Entomological research in the classroom: the dispersal of biological control agents. The American Biology Teacher. 81(4):242-247. https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2019.81.4.242.

A Review of the Integration of Classical Biological Control with other Management Techniques to Manage Invasive Weeds in Natural Areas and Rangelands - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lake, E.C., Minteer, C.R. 2018. A Review of the Integration of Classical Biological Control with other Management Techniques to Manage Invasive Weeds in Natural Areas and Rangelands. BioControl. 63:71-86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-017-9853-5.

Dead land walking: the value of continued conservation efforts in south Florida’s imperiled pine rocklands - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Jones, I.M., Kopture, S. 2017. Dead land walking: the value of continued conservation efforts in south Florida’s imperiled pine rocklands. Biodiversity and Conservation Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-017-1433-6.

Hybridization of two biotypes of Lilioceris cheni will not hinder biological control of air potato, Dioscorea bulbifera - (Abstract Only)

Three-way interaction between biological control insects, a congener and their shared parasitoid: Evidence of biotic resistance - (Abstract Only)

Modeling the long-term effects of introduced herbivores on the spread of an invasive tree - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zhang, B., Deangelis, D., Rayamajhi, M.B., Botkin, D. 2017. Modeling the long-term effects of introduced herbivores on the spread of an invasive tree. Landscape Ecology. 32(6):1147–1161. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10980-017-0519-6.

Field Guide for the Biological Control of Weeds in Eastern North America - (Government Publication)
Winston, R.L., Randall, C.B., Blossey, B., Tipping, P.W., Lake, E.C., Hough-Goldstein, J. 2017. Field Guide for the Biological Control of Weeds in Eastern North America. Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology/pdfs/FHTET-2016-04_Biocontrol_Field_Guide.pdf.

Exploring whether and how ants affect reproductive fitness in Senna mexicana var. chapmanii - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Jones, I.M., Koptur, S., Pena, J. 2017. Exploring whether and how ants affect reproductive fitness in Senna mexicana var. chapmanii. Florida Entomologist. 100(3):539-545.

The role of melaleuca control in Everglades restoration: accomplishments and future plans - (Book / Chapter)
Lake, E.C., Tipping, P.W., Rayamajhi, M.B., Pratt, P.D., Dray Jr, F.A., Wheeler, G.S., Purcell, M.F., Center, T.D. 2017. The role of melaleuca control in Everglades restoration: accomplishments and future plans. In: Van Driesche, R.G, Reardon, R.C., editors. Supressing over-abundant invasive plants and insects in natural areas by use of their specialized natural enemies. Morgantown, WV: Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. p. 53-58.

The role of melaleuca control in Everglades restoration: accomplishments and future plans - (Book / Chapter)
Lake, E.C., Tipping, P.W., Rayamajhi, M.B., Pratt, P.D., Dray Jr, F.A., Wheeler, G.S., Purcell, M.F., Center, T.D. 2017. The role of melaleuca control in Everglades restoration: accomplishments and future plans. Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. 53-58.

Outrunning the invasive species treadmill: Integrating biological control and other management techniques to restore invaded sites - (Proceedings)
Lake, E.C., and Hough-Goldstein, J.A. Outrunning the invasive species treadmill: integrating biological control and other management techniques to restore invaded sites. In: McManus, K.A., and Poland, T.M., (comps.) XXVII (28th) USDA Interagency Research Forum on Invasive Species. January 10-13; Annapolis, MD. FHTET-2017-06. Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. 81 pages.

Predicting spillover risk to non-target plants pre-release: Bikasha collaris a potential biological control agent of Chinese tallowtree (Triadica sebifera) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wheeler, G.S., Duncan, J.G., Wright, S.A. 2017. Predicting spillover risk to non-target plants pre-release: Bikasha collaris a potential biological control agent of Chinese tallowtree (Triadica sebifera). Biological Control. 180:16-21.

Non-selective feeding and oviposition behavior of Cryptocephalus trifasciata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cryptocephalinae), precludes its use as a biological control agent for downy rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Smith, M., Wright, S.A., Wheeler, G.S., Purcell, M., Mankinson, J. 2017. Non-selective feeding and oviposition behavior of Cryptocephalus trifasciata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cryptocephalinae), precludes its use as a biological control agent for downy rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa). Biocontrol Science and Technology. 27(3):445-448.

Surveys in Argentina and Uruguay reveal Cyrtobagous salviniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) populations adapted to survive temperate climates in southeastern USA - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Russell, A., Johnson, S., Ximena, C., McKay, F., Moshman, L., Madeira, P.T., Blair, Z.J., Diaz, R. 2017. Surveys in Argentina and Uruguay reveal Cyrtobagous salviniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) populations adapted to survive temperate climates in southeastern USA. Biological Control. 107:41-49.

Fidelity of the Asian beetle Lilioceris egena (Weise) to air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera L.) - (Other)

Teaching complex ecological concepts through a demonstration garden Biodiversity, invasions and conservation in practice - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Minteer, C., Smith, M., Lake, E.C., Pokorny, E.N. 2018. Teaching complex ecological concepts through a demonstration garden Biodiversity, invasions and conservation in practice. The American Biology Teacher. 80(5):346-352.

Comparative Evaluation of Development and Reproductive Capacity of Two Biotypes of Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Biological Control Agents of Air Potato (Dioscorea Bulbifera) in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Manrique, V., Lake, E.C., Smith, M., Diaz, R., Franko, C., Pratt, P.D., Rayamajhi, M.B., Overholt, W.A. 2017. Comparative Evaluation of Development and Reproductive Capacity of Two Biotypes of Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Biological Control Agents of Air Potato (Dioscorea Bulbifera) in Florida. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 110(3):310-316.

Seasonal abundance of the adventive Chinese tallowtree herbivore Caloptilia triadicae and its parasitoids - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wheeler, G.S., Dyer, K.G., Hight, S.D., Wright, S.A. 2017. Seasonal abundance of the adventive Chinese tallowtree herbivore Caloptilia triadicae and its parasitoids. Florida Entomologist. 100(1):52-56.

Does Lilioceris egena burrow for tubers - (Abstract Only)

Utilization of an introduced weed biological control agent by a native parasitoid - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Minteer, C., Tipping, P.W., Knowles, B.K., Valmonte, R., Foley, J.R., Gettys, L.A. 2016. Utilization of an introduced weed biological control agent by a native parasitoid. Florida Entomologist. 99:576-577.

Release and distribution of Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of air potato (Dioscorea bulbilfera: Dioscoreaceae), in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Overholt, W.A., Rayamajhi, M.B., Rohrig, E., Hight, S.D., Dray Jr, F.A., Lake, E.C., Smith, M., Hibbard, K., Bhattarai, G., Bowers, K.E., Poffenberger, R., Clark, M., Curry, B., Stange, B., Calise, E., Wasylik, T.K., Martinez, C.M., Leidi, J.G. 2016. Release and distribution of Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of air potato (Dioscorea bulbilfera: Dioscoreaceae), in Florida. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 26:1087-1099.

Indirect ecological effects in invaded landscapes: Spillover and spillback from biological control agents to native analogues - (Abstract Only)
Smith, M., Minteer, C., Lake, E.C., Wheeler, G.S., Tipping, P.W. 2016. Indirect ecological effects in invaded landscapes: Spillover and spillback from biological control agents to native analogues. Ecological Society of America (ESA). https://eco.confex.com/eco/2016/preliminaryprogram/abstract_59794.htm.

Molecular identification of Azolla invasions in Africa: The Azolla specialist, Stenopelmus rufinasus proves to be an excellent taxonomist - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Madeira, P.T., Hill, M.P., Dray Jr, F.A., Coetzee, J.A., Paterson, I.D., Tipping, P.W. 2016. Molecular identification of Azolla invasions in Africa: The Azolla specialist, Stenopelmus rufinasus proves to be an excellent taxonomist. South African Journal of Botany. 105:299-305.

The role of melaleuca control in Everglades restoration: accomplishments and future plans - (Abstract Only)

Weed biocontrol in landscape restoration - (Proceedings)
Lake, E.C. and Hough-Goldstein, J. Weed biocontrol in landscape restoration, p. 4. In Gover, A.E. (Ed.) Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the Northeastern Plant, Pest, and Soils Conference. January 3-7, 2016. Philadelphia, PA. 2016. (Proceedings)

Host range of Caloptilia triadicae (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae): an adventive herbivore of Chinese tallowtree (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Duncan, J., Steininger, S., Wright, S.A., Wheeler, G.S. 2016. Host range of Caloptilia triadicae (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae): an adventive herbivore of Chinese tallowtree (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae). Florida Entomologist. 99(1):142-145.

Precision pulling: Federal invasive plant lab helps Broward county remove invasive ferns - (Trade Journal)
Smith, M., Lake, E.C., Howell, P. 2014. Precision pulling: Federal invasive plant lab helps Broward county remove invasive ferns. Wildland Weeds. 16: 23-24.