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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #401359
Research Project: Managing Invasive Weeds and Insect Pests Using Biologically-Based Methods

Location: Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research

Title: Chinese tallow biological control and pollinators

Author
item Gaffke, Alexander
item Wheeler, Gregory
item LI, DAIJIANG - Louisiana State University
item DIAZ, RODRIGO - Louisiana State University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/18/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Chinese tallow, Triadica sebifera, is a tree native to southeast Asian that was introduced to north America in the late 1800’s. Since its introduction, it has escaped cultivation and has spread throughout the southeastern United States, degrading natural habitats. Numerous attempts to control this invasive tree through conventional means has failed. This resulted in the initiation of a classical biological control program. Petitions for release have been approved for two, host specific, biological control agents. During the petition process, beekeepers expressed broad resistance towards the biological control program, resulting in significant delays to the permitting of the agent. Therefore, the importance of Chinese tallow for honey production will be discussed with an emphasis on empirical studies from the scientific literature. Multiple studies can be found to support and contradict the importance of Chinese tallow to beekeepers. This presentation will compare and contrast the implications of Chinese tallow biological control and honey production.