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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Lauderdale, Florida » Invasive Plant Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #319468
Title: Life history and host range of Oxydia vesulia transpeneus, an unsuitable biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree

Author
item FUNG, JESSICA - Student Conservation Association
item Wheeler, Gregory

Submitted to: Biocontrol Science and Technology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2016
Publication Date: 1/11/2016
Citation: Fung, J., Wheeler, G.S. 2016. Life history and host range of Oxydia vesulia transpeneus, an unsuitable biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 26(3):298-304.

Interpretive Summary: Brazilian peppertree, is a South American plant that has become invasive in many countries around the world. It was introduced into the USA about 100 years ago as an ornamental. Escaping from cultivation, this weed now occurs in three southeastern states of the USA, California, and Hawai’i. This species constitutes one of the most invasive weeds threatening agriculture and the natural areas of the region. Efforts to manage S. terebinthifolia populations with biological controls began in Hawai’i in the 1950s and resulted in the release of three insect species. However, the agents have had minimal impact and the weed continues to be a difficult problem. A new caterpillar, Oxydia vesulia (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) was discovered in Brazil and assessed as a potential biological control agent of Brazilian Peppertree. Larvae were colonized and examined in quarantine where life history and host range or safety studies were conducted. Development time from neonate to adults when fed Brazilian peppertree leaves was 48.0 (± 2.2) days for females and 51.0 (± 1.3) days for males. Larvae generally required 5 (occasionally 6) instars to reach the adult stage. Females had greater pupal weights 1004.1 (± 45.9) mg compared with males 668.5 (± 19.7) mg. Larvae were tested on seven non-target plant species from Florida natives, ornamentals, to economic species. Larvae completed development on all but one of these valued plant species. These results suggest that the host range of O. vesulia is not sufficiently specific for release as a biological control against Brazilian peppertree in the USA

Technical Abstract: The suitability of Oxydia vesulia (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) was assessed as a potential biological control agent of the invasive weed Brazilian Peppertree Schinus terebinthifolia. Larvae were collected in Brazil feeding on the plant in its native range and colonized in quarantine where life history and host range studies were conducted. Development time from neonate to adults when fed Brazilian peppertree leaves was 48.0 (± 2.2) days for females and 51.0 (± 1.3) days for males. Larvae generally required 5 (occasionally 6) instars to reach the adult stage. Females had greater pupal weights 1004.1 (± 45.9) mg compared with males 668.5 (± 19.7) mg. Larvae were tested on seven non-target plant species from Florida natives, ornamentals, to economic species. Larvae completed development on all but one of these valued plant species. These results suggest that the host range of O. vesulia is not sufficiently specific for release as a biological control against Brazilian peppertree in the USA.