Banker Plants: Using a systems approach for dealing with exotic invasives in Florida

Authors: OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida; KUMAR, VIVEK - University Of Florida; KAKKAR, GARIMA - University Of Florida; McKenzie, Cindy

Submitted to: International Congress of Entomology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/12/2016
Publication Date: 9/27/2016
Citation: Osborne, L.S., Kumar, V., Kakkar, G., McKenzie, C.L. 2016. Banker Plants: Using a systems approach for dealing with exotic invasives in Florida. International Congress of Entomology [abstract]. September 25-30, 2016, Orlando, Florida. doi:10.1603/ICE.2016.93960

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: As new invasive species are detected scientists mount two fronts of attack: remedial pesticide treatments and implementing biological control programs in areas where chemical controls are not feasible. Both tactics are generally problematic with organisms that little is known about and when imported without a complement of their natural enemies. Our program is aimed at identifying generalist predators for the major taxa that could be imported. The premise being that a generalist predator could be reared on alternate hosts in numbers that could be useful in an augmentative biological control program. That said, the potential for commercialization of such natural enemies is questionable. Our tactic is to develop banker plant systems on which these generalist predators can be reared and used in cropping systems where they might be needed until such time as there might be an importation of a pest for which they would be needed. These systems would offer the benefit that they would help manage already established pests for which there are no commercially available natural enemies.