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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Lauderdale, Florida » Invasive Plant Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #414555
Research Project: Development and Implementation of Biological Control Programs for Natural Area Weeds in the Southeastern United States

Location: Invasive Plant Research Laboratory

Title: Two potential candidates for biological control of cogongrass in quarantine

Author
item Gazdick, Kaitlin
item SANDERSON, CHRISTINE - Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
item HORTON, CIARA - Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
item DEAN, BROOKS - Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
item Wheeler, Gregory

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/3/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Abstract only

Technical Abstract: Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica Beauv.) is considered one of the top ten most destructive invasive plants. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions and impacts much of the southeastern United States (US). It is such a successful invader as it spreads through seeds and makes thick rhizomes that form dense clusters that can crowd out native vegetation and affect biodiversity. Control of this weed is difficult because the rhizomes can persist after mowing and burning. Two new potential candidates for biological control have just been brought to the United States for testing at the USDA ARS Invasive Plant Research Lab in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. One that attacks the crown, Emmalocera Latilimbella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and one that targets the new growth, Atherigona sp. (Diptera: Muscidae). Rearing of insects is an important part of the development of a biological control program. Larvae are reared in containers, monitored closely, and when they emerge, are transferred to pop-up cages, and provided with I. cylindrica plants and a diet specific to the insect. The USDA ARS Australian Biological Control Laboratory has established successful colonies and rearing protocol that will be described. The update on the establishment of these colonies in the US will also be provided.