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Title: Natural enemies of Brazilian peppertree (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) from Argentina: their possible use for biological control in the USA

Author
item MC KAY, FERNANDO - South American Biological Control Lab(SABCL)
item OLEIRO, MARINA - Universidad De Buenos Aires
item CABRERA WALSH, GUILLERMO - South American Biological Control Lab(SABCL)
item GANDOLFO, DANIEL - South American Biological Control Lab(SABCL)
item CUDA, JAMES - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
item WHEELER, GREGROY - USDA - ARS - IPRL

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/13/2009
Publication Date: 6/1/2009
Citation: Mc Kay, F., Oleiro, M.I., Cabrera Walsh, G.J., Gandolfo, D.E., Cuda, J.P., Wheeler, G.S. 2009. Natural enemies of Brazilian peppertree (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) from Argentina: their possible use for biological control in the USA. Florida Entomologist. 92(2):292-303

Interpretive Summary: Brazilian peppertree (BP) is a perennial tree of the Sumac family native to Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The plant was introduced into the USA prior to 1900. Originally grown as an ornamental, BP is now considered a state noxious plant in Hawaii and Florida, where it is ranked among the most important threats to biodiversity in natural areas. Recent surveys conducted in northeastern Argentina recovered 35 phytophagous arthropods associated with BP, 29 of which constitute new records for BP in Argentina. A new species of leaf blotch miner moth, a thrips, a mite, a prominent moth, and a weevil have been selected for further studies to determine their potential as biological control agents of BP in the USA. The results of these surveys are summarized herein and descriptions are included of the arthropods that are considered most promising for biological control of this weed.

Technical Abstract: Brazilian peppertree (BP) (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Anacardiaceae) is a perennial tree native to Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The plant was introduced into the USA before 1900. Originally grown as an ornamental, BP is now considered a noxious plant in Hawaii and Florida, where it is ranked among the most important threats to biodiversity in natural areas. Recent surveys conducted in northeastern Argentina recovered one fungus associated with distorted leaves and 36 phytophagous insects collected on Brazilian peppertree. A leaf-feeding notodontid moth, a new species of gracillariid leaf blotch miner, and a stem-boring weevil have been selected for further studies to determine their potential as biological control agents of Brazilian peppertree in the USA. The results of these surveys are summarized herein and descriptions are included of the insects that are considered most promising for biological control of this weed.