Tallow tree biological control and beekeeping: Assessing the misconceptions and possible resolutions to protect native ecosystems

Authors: Gaffke, Alexander; LI, DAIJIANG - Louisiana State University; MANRIQUE, VERONICA - Southern University And A & M College; ABBATE, ANTHONY - Auburn University; Wheeler, Gregory; DIAZ, RODRIGO - Louisiana State University

Submitted to: Biological Control
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/29/2025
Publication Date: 1/30/2025
Citation: Gaffke, A.M., Li, D., Manrique, V., Abbate, A.P., Wheeler, G.S., Diaz, R. 2025. Tallow tree biological control and beekeeping: Assessing the misconceptions and possible resolutions to protect native ecosystems. Biological Control. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105720.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105720

Interpretive Summary: Invasive plants are a threat to agricultural and ecosystems that require constant management. Classical weed biological control is commonly utilized to safely and effectively manage infestations of invasive plants. Classical weed biological control is the purposeful introduction of a species, termed a biocontrol agent, to control an invasive plant. These biocontrol agents are rigorously tested for safety. The use of biocontrol agents can greatly reduce the reliance of landowners on herbicides, which can greatly improve the health of the environment. While invasive plants are harmful, they are sometimes used as honey sources for beekeepers. This can result in conflict, as control the invasive plant harming the environment can also be seen as harming beekeepers. Because of this potential conflict, a biological control program for the most destructive weed in the southwestern United States, Chinese tallow, was halted because beekeepers reportedly us Chinese tallow for honey production. To address this concern of Chinese tallow management and the potential impact it could have to beekeepers, a scientist from the USDA-ARS Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research Unit in Tallahassee, Florida, in collaboration with researchers from USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, Louisiana State University, Southern University, and Auburn University investigated the importance of Chinese tallow to honey production. The research identified that Chinese tallow has a more restricted bloom period than previously thought, limiting its availability to beekeepers. Additionally, research identified historical records from the scientific literature and determined that honey produced in the southeastern United States was coming mostly from native plants, not Chinese tallow. These results suggest that land owners should conserve native plants and control the invasive Chinese tallow.

Technical Abstract: Classical weed biological control is a major management tool deployed worldwide for the control of invasive plants. Classical weed biological control has a long-standing history of safe and effective weed management that have resulted in the protection of many ecosystems. Despite this history of safe and effective control, significant public opposition can occur. Plans to release biological control agents developed for the invasive tree Chinese tallow, Triadica sebifera (L.) Small received widespread and enthusiastic support from land managers and the environmental community. However, agent release was opposed by beekeeping organizations. Chinese tallow is purported to be an important nectar plant for beekeeping operations in the Southeastern U.S.A. In this article, we discuss the primary concerns raised by commercial beekeepers opposed to Chinese tallow management with biological control and present data on the flowering phenology of tallow. Review of the scientific literature identified multiple studies reporting the importance of native plants to honey production, highlighting the need to protect important pollen and nectar sources from displacement by Chinese tallow. Additionally, results indicate shorter bloom periods for tallow than previously reported. These results highlight the importance of protecting native ecosystems to enhance floral diversity and reducing the tallow invasion. The implementation of a biological control program for Chinese tallow may be the best option for land managers and beekeepers at conserving native ecosystems of the southeastern U.S.A. while maintaining the services they provide.