Wednesday, December 12, 2007
D0525

Foreign exploration for Brazilian pepper biological control agents: Results of three years of surveys

Greg Wheeler, greg.wheeler@ars.usda.gov, USDA ARS IPRL, 3225 College Ave, Ft Lauderdale, FL

Brazilian peppertree (BP) (Schinus terebinthifolius: Anacardiaceae), is a perennial tree native to Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay that was introduced in the US during the late 19th century as an ornamental. In Hawaii, it has been mentioned as one of the most significant invasive plants and in southern Florida, it has been ranked among the most important threats to biodiversity. Since the first efforts to control S. terebinthifolius in the mid 1950s, only three insect species have been released in Hawaii, and none in Florida. Most surveys have been conducted in Brazil, although Argentina seems to be the most likely center of origin of the genus Schinus. In June 2004 surveys for Brazilian peppertree were initiated between the USDA-ARS SABCL in Argentina and USDA-ARS IPRL in Ft Lauderdale, FL. Recent surveys in Argentina showed that BP populations harbor several natural enemies not previously found. Studies were focused and will be presented on the most promising biological control candidates of Brazilian peppertree found in Argentina.


Species 1: Lepidoptera Mimallonidae Aceclostria mus