Establishment and spread of Lophodiplosis trifida, a biological control agent of the invasive tree Melaleuca quinquenervia

The biological control agent Lophodiplosis trifida was released into Melaleuca qinquenervia trees at 24 locations in Florida. Release sites varied by recipient stand size and founding population. Establishment was uniformly successful at all release sites but one population went extinct a year after establishment due to frost damage. Population growth rates were greatest during summer months, which corresponds with increased temperatures and precipitation. Large and medium founding population sizes increased at similar rates and significantly faster than small populations. Disperal rates from release sites varied widely as did initial damage to plant performance.