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Submitted to: International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2007 Publication Date: 4/25/2007 Citation: Pratt, P.D. 2007. Herbivory by introduced insects reduces growth and survival of Melaleuca quinquenervia. International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. Interpretive Summary: Melaleuca quinquenervia (melaleuca) is a native to eastern Australia and has been introduced to various locations around the world. One hundred years after its introduction into Florida, melaleuca grows spontaneously and displaces native plants as well as animals in the wetlands that comprise the Florida Everglades. In an effort to curb the invasion of this weed, scientists have identified natural enemies or biological control agents that help in the suppression of melaleuca. This article provides details on the introduced biological control agent Boreioglycaspis melaleucae and Oxyops vitiosa, with emphasis on the effects feeding on plant survivorship and growth.. Technical Abstract: Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) Blake (Myrtaceae) (melaleuca) is a native to eastern Australia and has been introduced to various locations around the world. One hundred years after its introduction into Florida, melaleuca grows spontaneously and displaces native plants as well as animals in the wetlands that comprise the Florida Everglades. In an effort to curb the invasion of this weed, scientists have identified natural enemies or biological control agents that help in the suppression of melaleuca. This article provides details on the introduced biological control agents Boreioglycaspis melaleucae (Moore) (Homoptera: Psyllidae) and Oxyops vitiosa (Pascoe) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). This research emphasizes the effects feeding on plant survivorship and growth. |
