Project Number: 6629-22000-011-51
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Aug 15, 2012
End Date: Jun 03, 2013

Objective:
1. To conduct host specificity tests with the beetle Lilioceris egena for possible use as a biological control agent against the invasive Asian vine Dioscorea bulbifera (air potato). 2. To assess impacts of the beetle Lilioceris cheni on populations of air potato in Florida.

Approach:
1. Challenge adult and larval L. egena with potential food resources, including roots, tubers, corms, taproots, bulbs, and rhizomes from a variety of plant species in the Dioscoreaceae and closely related families as food sources. 2. Measure L. cheni impacts on the following parameters: (a) abundance and biomass of existing subterranean tubers of air potato; (b) aerial biomass production, including vine growth and propagule (bulbil) production of air potato; and (c) recovery and maintenance of native plant diversity.