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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 7/24/2015 Publication Date: 9/25/2015 Citation: Wheeler, G.S. 2015. Pheromone based monitoring of Neomusotima conspurcatalis a biological control agent of the invasive weed Lygodium microphyllum. Meeting Abstract. 1. Interpretive Summary: The Everglades is a unique ecosystem of slow flowing fresh waters and minute changes in topography coupled with a convergence of species at the limits of their ranges. Invasive plants overrun extensive swaths of this bastion of North American biodiversity – a consequence of climate and cultivation. Among the worst of these threats is the weed Lygodium. This fern is native to tropical Asia and covers substantial portions of the Florida Everglades. This pest control technique develops insects or diseases from the native range of the pest. After determining their safety, agent releases are made that exert control on populations of the pest. Classical biological control offers a potentially cost effective tool to reduce the competitive ability of Lygodium. The moth Neomusotima conspurcatalis was released in Florida in 2009, is spreading and exerting control against the weed. Pheromone based field monitoring of moth populations would be a useful tool to track this species. This presentation will describe the method used to collect the pheromones and to determine their attraction to the biological control agent. Using this technique we will be able to monitor dispersal, distribution, and seasonal densities of adults. Technical Abstract: The Everglades is a unique ecosystem of slow flowing fresh waters and minute changes in topography coupled with a convergence of species at the limits of their ranges. Invasive plants overrun extensive swaths of this bastion of North American biodiversity – a consequence of climate and cultivation. Among the worst of these threats is the weed Lygodium microphyllum. This fern is native to tropical Asia and covers substantial portions of multiple habitat types in the Florida Everglades. Classical biological control offers a potentially cost effective tool to reduce the competitive ability of L. microphyllum. The moth Neomusotima conspurcatalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), released in Florida in 2009, is spreading and exerting control against the weed. Pheromone based field monitoring of moth populations would be a useful tool to track this species. Volatile collections, subsequent field trapping and EAD analysis indicate that a number of volatile constitutes are produced by females that attract males. Using this monitoring technique we will be able to monitor dispersal, distribution, and seasonal densities of adults. |
