Biocontrol bites biocontrol: potential interference of the Brazilian peppertree biological control thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)by Montandoniola confusa (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)

Authors: Halbritter, Dale; Rayamajhi, Min; Wheeler, Gregory

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/19/2022
Publication Date: 4/20/2023
Citation: Halbritter, D.A., Rayamajhi, M.B., Wheeler, G.S. 2023. Biocontrol bites biocontrol: potential interference of the Brazilian peppertree biological control thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)by Montandoniola confusa (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). Florida Entomologist. 106(1):51-55. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.106.0108.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1653/024.106.0108

Interpretive Summary: Large-scale field releases of biological control agents to help manage the highly invasive Brazilian peppertree in southern Florida began in July 2019, with the first releases of a sap sucking thrips. Thrips populations and their impacts on Brazilian peppetrees at field sites and other outdoor research facilities were routinely monitored. Within five months after releases, we discovered a predatory pirate bug that was feeding on an adult biocontrol thrips released on Brazilian peppertrees in an outdoor garden plot. This is the first documentation of a pirate-bug predation on the thrips introduced to control Brazilian peppertree in Florida. It may reduce thrips populations and pose a problem towards successful establishment of thrips populations in Brazilian peppertree infestation. Interestingly, this pirate bug is itself a biological control agent introduced to control another closely related species of thrips that is a pest of ornamental Ficus trees. Instances of pirate bug predation on Brazilian peppertree thrips, both inside our rearing facility and at field sites, have continued which are detailed herein, and considerations for the pirate bug's impacts on biological control efforts of Brazilian peppertree are discussed.

Technical Abstract: Large-scale field releases of biological control agents to help manage the highly invasive Brazilian peppertree Schinus terebinthifolia began in July 2019, with the first releases of the thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini in southern Florida. Release sites were routinely monitored for agent establishment and impacts on this target weed. Within five months, we noted a pirate bug, Montandoniola confusa, feeding on an adult P. ichini thrips in an outdoor garden plot. Interestingly, this pirate bug is itself a biological control agent introduced to control another confamilial thrips pest of ornamental Ficus trees. Instances of pirate bug predation on P. ichini, both inside our rearing facility and at field sites, have continued and are detailed herein, and considerations for the continued biological control efforts of Brazilian peppertree are discussed.