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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Lauderdale, Florida » Invasive Plant Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #321273
Title: Biological control of the invasive weed, Brazilian Peppertree, Schinus Terebinthifolia: a review of the project with an update on the proposed agents

Author
item Wheeler, Gregory
item MCKAY, FERNAND - Fuedei
item VITORINO, MARCELO - Universidade Regional De Blumenau(FURB)
item MANRIQUE, VERNICA - University Of Florida
item DIAZ, ROBERTO - University Of Florida
item OVERHOLT, WILLIAM - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/14/2015
Publication Date: 4/20/2015
Citation: Wheeler, G.S., Mckay, F., Vitorino, M., Manrique, V., Diaz, R., Overholt, W. 2015. Biological control of the invasive weed, Brazilian Peppertree, Schinus Terebinthifolia: a review of the project with an update on the proposed agents. Meeting Abstract. 1.

Interpretive Summary: Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia (Anacardiaceae), is a South American plant that has become invasive in many countries around the world. It was introduced into the USA about 100 years ago as an ornamental. Escaping cultivation, it now occurs in three southeastern states of the USA, California, and Hawai'i. This species constitutes one of the most invasive weeds threatening agriculture and the natural areas of the region. Efforts to manage S. terebinthifolia populations with biological controls began in Hawai’i in the 1950s and resulted in the release of three insect species. However, the agents have had minimal impact and the weed continues to be a difficult problem. The authors of this presentation represent an international team who recently discovered and tested numerous new species of potential biological control agents. These species attack different parts of the plant and together exert damaging stress to the plants health. Two promising species, a thrips, Pseudophilothrips ichini and a foliage gall-former, Calophya latiforceps constitute the best candidates for biological control of this invasive weed.

Technical Abstract: Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia (Anacardiaceae), is a South American plant that has become invasive in many countries around the world. It was introduced into the USA about 100 years ago as an ornamental. Escaping cultivation, it now occurs in three southeastern states of the USA, California, and Hawai’i. This species constitutes one of the most invasive weeds threatening agriculture and the natural areas of the region. Efforts to manage S. terebinthifolia populations with biological controls began in Hawai’i in the 1950s and resulted in the release of three insect species. However, the agents have had minimal impact and the weed continues to be a difficult problem. An international team of collaborators has more recently discovered and tested numerous new species of potential biological control agents. These species attack different plant tissues and include defoliators, sap suckers, stem borers,and leaf and stem gall formers. Despite difficulty finding an agent sufficiently specific for field release in Florida, we have narrowed the field to two promising species, a thrips, Pseudophilothrips ichini and a foliage gall-former, Calophya latiforceps. Results of no-choice and choice trials conducted overseas and in quarantine indicate both species will safely contribute to the control of this invasive weed. The immature and adult feeding by both herbivore species will stunt the growth, distort leaves, and should reduce reproductive output of Brazilian peppertrees.