Research Project: Development and Implementation of Biological Control Programs for Natural Area Weeds in the Southeastern United States

Location: Invasive Plant Research Laboratory

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Enhancing Pre-release Studies for Weed Biocontrol Agents: Existing and Emerging Tools - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hinz, H., Cabrera Walsh, G., Paterson, I., Paynter, Q., Schwarzlander, M., Smith, M., Weyl, P. 2024. Enhancing Pre-release Studies for Weed Biocontrol Agents: Existing and Emerging Tools. BioControl. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2024.105607.

First Report of predatory mites feeding on Floracarus perrepae (Acariformes: Eriophyidae), a biological control agent for Old World climbing fern in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Crees, L.D., Aquino-Thomas, J.M., Lake, E.C., Madeira, P.T., Smith, M. 2024. First Report of predatory mites feeding on Floracarus perrepae (Acariformes: Eriophyidae), a biological control agent for Old World climbing fern in Florida. Florida Entomologist. Fla. Entomol. 2024; 107(s1): 2024002.

Pruning Brazilian pepper trees to augment field populations of the biological control agent Pseudophilothrips Ichini - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wheeler, G.S., Minteer, C., Palacios, J.N., Halbritter, D.A., David, . 2024. Pruning Brazilian pepper trees to augment field populations of the biological control agent Pseudophilothrips Ichini. Biological Control. 105550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2024.105550.

Two potential candidates for biological control of cogongrass in quarantine - (Abstract Only)

Introduction History of Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa in Southeastern USA - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Dray Jr, F.A., Madeira, P.T. 2024. Introduction History of Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa in Southeastern USA. Florida Scientist. https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=401169.

Changes in plant architecture in Brazilian peppertree damaged by the biological control agent, Pseudophilothrips ichini Hood (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Halbritter, D.A., Kariuki, E., Wheeler, G.S., Rayamajhi, M.B., Minteer, C., Read, Q.D. 2023. Changes in plant architecture in Brazilian peppertree damaged by the biological control agent, Pseudophilothrips ichini Hood (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae). Biological Control. 188. Article c105434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2023.105434.

Additional host range testing of eucryptorrhynchus brandti (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) for the biological control of tree-of-heaven, ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae) in the U.S.A. - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mcavoy, T.J., Mays, R., Goldstein, S.L., Dray Jr, F.A., Yu, Z., Reardon, R., Salom, S.M. 2023. Additional host range testing of eucryptorrhynchus brandti (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) for the biological control of tree-of-heaven, ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae) in the U.S.A. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2023.2294219.

Assessing the status of biological control of air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) in the southeastern USA - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Manrigue, V., Kraus, E., Schaffer, C., Diaz, R., Kelm, C., Poffenberger, R., Murray, R., Smith, M., Dray Jr, F.A., Leidi, J.G., Lake, E., Rayamajhi, M., Minteer, C., Mass, J.L., Hight, S.D. 2023. Assessing the status of biological control of air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) in the southeastern USA. Biocontrol Science and Technology. (33)12:1173-1185. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2023.2294207.

Host range, biology, and climate suitability of Callopistria exotica, a potential biological control agent of Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) in the USA - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Less Herbicide does more when Biological Control is Present in Pontederia Crassipes - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Deangelis, D., Tipping, P.W., Goode, A., Smith, M., Gettys, L., Knowles, B., Pokorny, E.N., Salinas, L., Xu, L. 2023. Less herbicide does more when biological control is present in Pontederia Crassipes. Ecological Modelling. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2023.110566.

The Increasing Role of Remote Sensing and UAS in Biological Control Impact Surveillance - (Abstract Only)
Smith, M., Julian, P., Zhang, B., Deangelis, D. 2023. The Increasing Role of Remote Sensing and UAS in Biological Control Impact Surveillance. Meeting Abstract. 69, 293-301. 10.1007/s10526-023-10229-y.

Effects of invasive plant haplotypes on a biological control agent (Lepidelphax pistiae) fecundity and impact - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goode, A.B., Tipping, P.W., Dray Jr, F.A., Valmonte, R.J., Knowles, B.K., Pokorny, E.N. 2023. Effects of invasive plant haplotypes on a biological control agent (Lepidelphax pistiae) fecundity and impact. Biocontrol Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2023.2272229.

Responses of different clonal lines of Imperata cylindrica (cogongrass) to herbivory when grown in different nutrient environments - (Abstract Only)
Wheeler, G.S., Arismendi Baena, G. 2023. Responses of different clonal lines of Imperata cylindrica (cogongrass) to herbivory when grown in different nutrient environments. Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting.

Biological control food webs suggest biotic resistance not apparent competition - (Abstract Only)
Smith, M., Lake, E., Minteer, C., Tipping, P.W., Rice-David, K. 2023. Biological control food webs suggest biotic resistance not apparent competition. Ecological Society of America Abstracts.

Using Eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) populations to assess waterhyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) management - (Abstract Only)
Schutt, S., Hoch, M.J., Smith, M., Goode, A. 2023. Using Eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) populations to assess waterhyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) management. Ecological Society of America Abstracts.

Effects of insect herbivory on herbicidal control of Pistia stratiotes haplotypes - (Abstract Only)
Farris, S.C., Foley Iv, J.R., Pokorney, E., Ditmyer, M.Y., Gettys, L., Wheeler, G.S. 2023. Effects of insect herbivory on herbicidal control of Pistia stratiotes haplotypes. Ecological Society of America Abstracts.

Flexible feeding by the biological control agent, Pseudophilothrips ichini causes greater damage than expected to the weed Brazilian peppertree - (Abstract Only)
Wheeler, G.S. 2023. Flexible feeding by the biological control agent, Pseudophilothrips ichini causes greater damage than expected to the weed Brazilian peppertree. Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting.

Life history of the leaf-feeding beetle Calomela intemerata, a potential biocontrol agent against Acacia auriculiformis - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goosem, C., Zonneveld, R., Smith, M., Minteer, C., Purcell, M. 2023. Life history of the leaf-feeding beetle Calomela intemerata, a potential biocontrol agent against Acacia auriculiformis. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 00:1–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.13361.

Population genetic structure of Megamelus scutellaris (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) and its implications for the biological control of water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) - (Abstract Only)
Salinas, N., Smith, M., Coetzee, J., Hill, M., Brentassi, M., Sosa, A. 2023. Population genetic structure of Megamelus scutellaris (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) and its implications for the biological control of water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes). Meeting Abstract.

The Brazilian peppertree biological control agent Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) displays a flexible feeding strategy between foliage and reproductive tissues - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wheeler, G.S., Palacios, J.N., David, A., Read, Q.D., Nestle, R.L. 2023. The Brazilian peppertree biological control agent Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) displays a flexible feeding strategy between foliage and reproductive tissues. Biological Control. 179. Article 105159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2023.105159.

Herbivore suppression of waterlettuce in Florida, USA - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Foley Iv, J.R., Williams, J., Pokorny, E.N., Tipping, P.W. 2023. Herbivore suppression of waterlettuce in Florida, USA. Biological Control. 179. Article 105149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2023.105149.

Flexible feeding by the biological control agent, Pseudophilothrips ichini causes greater damage than expected to the weed Brazilian peppertree - (Abstract Only)

Biocontrol bites biocontrol: potential interference of the Brazilian peppertree biological control thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)by Montandoniola confusa (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Halbritter, D.A., Rayamajhi, M.B., Wheeler, G.S. 2023. Biocontrol bites biocontrol: potential interference of the Brazilian peppertree biological control thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)by Montandoniola confusa (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). Florida Entomologist. 106(1):51-55. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.106.0108.

Predicting parasitoid accumulation of potential Brazilian peppertree biological control agents from assessments in the native and invaded ranges - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wheeler, G.S., Jones, E., Fung, J., Fernandez-Triana, J., Vitorino, M., Mckay, F. 2022. Predicting parasitoid accumulation of potential Brazilian peppertree biological control agents from assessments in the native and invaded ranges. Biological Control. 173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2022.104981.

Ecological host range of Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), a biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Bowers, K., Hight, S.D., Wheeler, G.S., Minteer-Killian, C. 2022. Ecological host range of Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), a biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree. Biological Control. 172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2022.104976.

Temperature-dependent Development, Survival, and Oviposition of Laricobius osakensis (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a Specialist Predator of Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Foley Iv, J.R., Mcavoy, T., Saint-Amant, R., Regniere, J., Biggs, A., Wright, E., Mayfield, A., Brewster, C., Salom, S. 2022. Temperature-dependent Development, Survival, and Oviposition of Laricobius osakensis (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a Specialist Predator of Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae). Environmental Entomology. 51(4):688–699. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvac047.

Insect Bio-controls in the Florida Everglades - (Abstract Only)

Release and persistance of the Brazilian peppertree biological control agent Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wheeler, G.S., Minteer, C., Rohrig, E., Steininger, S., Halbritter, D.A., Leidi, J.G., Rayamajhi, M.B., Le Falchier, E. 2022. Release and persistance of the Brazilian peppertree biological control agent Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) in Florida. Florida Entomologist. 105(3):225-230. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.105.0308.

Classical Biological Control of Air Potato Vine, Dioscorea bulbifera, Infestations in Florida - (Book / Chapter)
Rayamajhi, M.B., Dray Jr, F.A. 2022. Classical Biological Control of Air Potato Vine, Dioscorea bulbifera, Infestations in Florida. Book Chapter. 288-299.

Transformative learning in graduate global change education drives conceptual shift in invasive species co-management and collaboration - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Foley Iv, J.R., Salom, S.M., Barney, J.N., Lakoba, V.T., Brooks, R., Fletcher, R., Heminger, A., Maynard, L., Mcelmurray, P., Haak, D.C., Sharma, G., Seo, H. 2022. Transformative learning in graduate global change education drives conceptual shift in invasive species co-management and collaboration. Environmental Education Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2022.2055746.

Crown area predicts total biomass for Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, an invasive shrub in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Smith, M., Pratt, P.D., Rayamajhi, M.B. 2022. Crown area predicts total biomass for Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, an invasive shrub in Florida. Invasive Plant Science and Management. 15(1):61-66. https://doi.org/10.1017/inp.2022.8.

Epibiont community composition of red mangroves Rhizophora mangle are contingent on root characteristics - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Stewart, H.A., Janiak, D.S., Wright, J.L., Hunt, D., Carmona Cortes, A., Powell, K.T., Chapman, L.J., Altieri, A.H. 2022. Epibiont community composition of red mangroves Rhizophora mangle are contingent on root characteristics. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 686:15–35. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13999.

The phytogeography and genetic diversity of the weedy hydrophyte, Pistia stratiotes L. - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Madeira, P.T., Dray Jr, F.A., Tipping, P.W. 2022. The phytogeography and genetic diversity of the weedy hydrophyte, Pistia stratiotes L. Biological Invasions. 60(5):685–69. https://doi.org/10.1093/sysbio/syr041.

Advances in mass rearing Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), a biological control agent for Brazilian peppertree in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Halbritter, D.A., Rayamajhi, M.B., Wheeler, G.S., Leidi, J.G., Owens, J.R., Cogan, C.A. 2021. Advances in mass rearing Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), a biological control agent for Brazilian peppertree in Florida. Insects. 12(9):790. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12090790.

Community of bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) infesting Brazilian peppertree treated with herbicide and the volatile tree response - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wheeler, G.S., Kendra, P.E., David, A.S., Lake, E.C., Sigmon, J., Palacios, J.N. 2021. Community of bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) infesting Brazilian peppertree treated with herbicide and the volatile tree response. Environmental Entomology. 50(6):1311–1321. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvab096.

Integrating biological control with other weed management techniques: challenges, opportunities, and successes - (Abstract Only)

Success in Biological Control - (Abstract Only)

Megamelus scutellaris (Berg) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) biology and population dynamics in the highly variable landscape of southern Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goode, A.B., Tipping, P.W., Minteer, C.R., Pokorny, E.N., Knowles, B.K., Foley, J.R., Valmonte, R. 2021. Megamelus scutellaris (Berg) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) biology and population dynamics in the highly variable landscape of southern Florida. Biological Control. 160(2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2021.104679.

Localized induced defenses limit gall formation by eriophyid mite against invasive Lygodium microphyllum - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
David, A.S., Carmona Cortes, A., Wheeler, G.S., Lake, E.C. 2021. Localized induced defenses limit gall formation by eriophyid mite against invasive Lygodium microphyllum. Environmental Entomology. 50(4):814:820. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvab049.

Volatile chemistry, not phylogeny, predicts host range of a biological control agent of Old-World climbing fern - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wheeler, G.S., David, A.S., Lake, E.C. 2021. Volatile chemistry, not phylogeny, predicts host range of a biological control agent of Old-World climbing fern. Biological Control. 159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2021.104636.

Bottom-up factors determine local, but not regional, distribution of a biological control agent against invasive Lygodium microphyllum - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
David, A.S., Carmona Cortes, A., Lake, E.C. 2021. Bottom-up factors determine local, but not regional, distribution of a biological control agent against invasive Lygodium microphyllum. Biological Control. 159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2021.104632.

Eriophyid mite Floracarus perrepae readily colonizes recovering invasive vine Lygodium microphyllum following herbicide treatment - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
David, A.S., Glueckert, J.S., Enloe, S.F., Carmona Cortes, A., Abdel-Kader, A.A., Lake, E.C. 2021. Eriophyid mite Floracarus perrepae readily colonizes recovering invasive vine Lygodium microphyllum following herbicide treatment. Biocontrol. 66:573-584. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-021-10087-6.

The influence of two wildfires and biological control agents on the population dynamics of Melaleuca quinquenervia in a seasonally inundated wetland - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Tipping, P.W., Martin, M., Foley, J., Pierce, R., Gettys, L. 2021. The influence of two wildfires and biological control agents on the population dynamics of Melaleuca quinquenervia in a seasonally inundated wetland. Invasive Plant Science and Management. 14(1):3-8. https://doi.org/10.1017/inp.2021.4.

Preliminary impacts of Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) on the biological control of Brazilian peppertree and indirect effects on arthropod food webs - (Abstract Only)

Updates on the biological control of Brazilian peppertree - (Abstract Only)

Optimizing mass rearing techniques for Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), a biological control agent for Brazilian peppertree in Florida - (Abstract Only)

Weeding around the edges of the science of invasive plant management: biological control agent hybridization, apparent competition, and biotic resistance - (Abstract Only)

Establishment of Lygodium microphyllum biological control agents: Population dynamics and bottom-up effects - (Abstract Only)

Establishment of Lygodium microphyllum biological control agents: Population dynamics, bottom-up effects, and integrated weed management - (Abstract Only)