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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Invasive Species and Pollinator Health » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #345979
Research Project: Watershed-scale Assessment of Pest Dynamics and Implications for Area-wide Management of Invasive Insects and Weeds

Location: Invasive Species and Pollinator Health

Title: Feasibility assessment for the classical biological control of Tamarix in Argentina

Author
item MCKAY, FERNANDO - Foundation For The Study Of Invasive Species
item LOGARZO, GUILLERMO - Foundation For The Study Of Invasive Species
item NATALE, EVANGELINA - Foundation For The Study Of Invasive Species
item Pratt, Paul
item Sodergren, Clayton

Submitted to: BioControl
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/13/2017
Publication Date: 11/16/2017
Citation: Mckay, F., Logarzo, G., Natale, E., Pratt, P.D., Sodergren, C.J. 2017. Feasibility assessment for the classical biological control of Tamarix in Argentina. Biocontrol. 63:169-184. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-017-9855-3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-017-9855-3

Interpretive Summary: Saltcedars are invasive weeds in the western U.S.A., where biological control has been successful in suppressing the exotic plant in certain areas. In Argentina there are four saltcedar species distributed in arid, semiarid and coastal areas of most provinces. The taxonomic isolation of Tamarix spp. in Argentina, their widespread distribution, negative impact to natural areas and lack of impact from existing natural enemies all indicate that Tamarix is an ideal candidate for classical biological control in Argentina. Biological control of Tamarix spp. has been rapid and highly successful in the USA after the introduction of four Diorhabda spp. Biological control of Tamarix spp. in Argentina could be implemented easily, rapidly, and at a low cost by utilizing the information developed in the USA.

Technical Abstract: Saltcedars are woody plants in the genus Tamarix L. (Tamaricaceae) and are native to Eurasia and Africa. Several species have become invasive in the Americas, Australia and South Africa. In Argentina there are four species of Tamarix distributed in arid, semiarid and coastal areas of most provinces. The taxonomic isolation of Tamarix spp. in Argentina, their widespread distribution, negative impact to natural areas and lack of impact from existing natural enemies all indicate that Tamarix is an ideal candidate for classical biological control in Argentina. Biological control of Tamarix spp. has been rapid and highly successful in the USA after the introduction of four Diorhabda spp. Biological control of Tamarix spp. in Argentina could be implemented easily, rapidly, and at a low cost by utilizing the information developed in the USA.