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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #59116
Title: TROPICAL SODA APPLE (SOLANUM VIARUM DUNAL) IN THE UNITED STATES

Author
item Bryson, Charles
item BYRD, JOHN - MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV
item WESTBROOKS, RANDY - USDA APHIS

Submitted to: Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Bulletin
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/8/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Tropical soda apple was introduced into Florida from South America in the 1980's. Since that time this aggressive perennial weed has spread at an alarming rate. By early 1995, tropical soda apple infested an estimated 410,000 ha in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. Currently tropical soda apple is known from Florida counties, from 20 sites in 11 Mississippi counties, at 7 sites in 7 Georgia counties, 7 sites in 3 Alabama counties, and the territory of Puerto Rico. This weed presents a major threat to pastures, croplands, forestlands, and natural areas throughout the southeastern United States because of its competitive nature, physical threat, and ability to harbor pathogens of vegetable crops including eggplants, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. Early detection and subsequent control measures are essential to prevent further spread of tropical soda apple.

Technical Abstract: Tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum Dunal, is spreading at an alarming rate in the southeastern United States. It was first detected in Florida in 1988. Tropical soda apple now infests an estimated 410,000 ha in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Puerto Rico. A history of tropical soda apple's spread, the means of dispersal, a taxonomic description, ecological information, its threat to pasturelands, croplands, forestlands, and natural areas are presented. Early detection, proper identification, and subsequent control measures are essential to prevent further spread of tropical soda apple in the United States.