Journal
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST
Volume 92, Issue 2, Pages 292-303Publisher
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOC
DOI: 10.1653/024.092.0213
Keywords
foreign exploration; classical biological control; Schinus terebinthifolius; host range; invasive weed; Florida Everglades
Categories
Funding
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection
- South Florida Water Management District
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Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Anacardiaceae) is a perennial tree native to Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The plant was introduced into the USA before 1900. Originally grown as an ornamental, Brazilian peppertree is now considered an noxious plant in Hawaii and Florida, where it is ranked among the most important threats to biodiversity in natural areas. Recent surveys conducted in northeastern Argentina recovered one fungus associated with distorted leaves and 36 phytophagous insects collected on Brazilian peppertree. A leaf-feeding notodontid moth, a new species of gracillariid leaf blotch miner, and a stem-boring weevil have been selected for further studies to determine their potential as biological control agents of Brazilian peppertree in the USA. The results of these surveys are summarized herein and descriptions are included of the insects that are considered most promising for biological control of this weed.
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