ARS | Publication request: Brazilian peppertree

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: June 8, 2004
Publication Date: November 5, 2004
Citation: Cuda, J.P., Habeck, D.H., Hight, S.D., Medal, J.C., Pedrosa-Macedo, J. 2004. Brazilian peppertree. In: Combs, E.M., Clark, J.K., Piper, G.L., Cofrancesco, Jr., A.F., editors. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University Press. p. 439-441.

Technical Abstract: Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, commonly called Brazilian peppertree in North America, is an introduced perennial plant that has become well established and invasive throughout central and southern Florida. This species is native to Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay and was brought to Florida as an ornamental in the 1840's. Although the plant is still grown as an ornamental in California, Texas, and Arizona, S. terebinthifolius is classified as a state noxious weed in Florida and Hawaii. Several Brazilian insect species were identified as potential biological control agents and two were shown to be host specific in studies in a Florida quarantine; the defoliating sawfly Heteroperreyia hubrichi Malaise and the thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini Hood. Information is presented on the release status of these two species and other biological control agents currently under study in Florida.