Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Field releases of 643 adults of the parasitic fly Lixadmontia franki, a biological control agent of the Mexican bromeliad weevil, Metamasius callizona, were made at 7 sites in south Florida on 10 dates. No indication of establishment of feral populations of this natural enemy is yet evident. More specimens of Phaenochilus n. sp., a predator of the cycad aulacaspis scale (CAS), Aulacaspis yasumatsui, were collected at the Sakaerat Environmental Research Station in Thailand and shipped to Florida quarantine to bolster laboratory colonies. The development, survival, and consumption rates of Phaenochilus larvae and adults were recorded at four constant temperatures. Higher survival to adulthood was obtained at 25 degrees C (54%), followed by 30 degrees C (29%) and 20 degrees C (3%). No eggs hatched at 35 degrees C. Time of development from egg to adult was as follows: 67 d at 20 degrees C, 48 d at 25 degrees C, and 35 d at 30 degrees C. No differences were detected in daily consumption rate of CAS by Phaenochilus larvae and adults betwen 25 degrees C and 30 degrees C. However, total larval consumption was higher at 25 degrees C compared to 30 degrees C. Several no-choice (without CAS) and choice (with CAS) tests were conducted to evaluate the potential intra-guild predation of Phaenochilus adults on other CAS natural enemies. Results showed that Phaenochilus adults will feed on larvae of the non-native predatory lady beetle Rhyzobius lophanthae and the non-native predatory beetle Cybocephalus nipponicus when no other prey are present (80-100% predation), but percent predation decreases when CAS are available (25-40% predation). No feeding occurred when Phaenochilus adults were exposed to the non-native lady beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, the native lady beetle Cycloneda sanguinea, and the native green lacewing Chrysoperla rufilabris. Dr. Natalia Vandenberg (USDA ARS SEL) and Adriano Giorgi (University of Georgia) are describing the new species of Phaenochilus so that a name can be used in the petition for field release. A proposal for field release of Phaenochilus was submitted to UF-IFAS for approval. An experiment in the field was conducted for one month to evaluate the predation potential of the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris, on larvae of the yellow-margined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma, on turnips. Release densities of 10 and 16 nymphs of the spined soldier bug per six turnips plants can reduce 75 and 84% of the yellow-margined leaf beetle population, respectively. A straw mulch experiment evaluated the population dynamics of the yellow-margined leaf beetle and predators in turnip fields. Higher numbers of the yellow-margined leaf beetle were found in plots with straw mulch than in plots without straw mulch. Higher numbers of predators were found in plots without straw mulch plots compared to plots with straw mulch. The turnip plants in plots with straw mulch were bigger than those in plots without straw mulch, possibly making them more apparent to the herbivore. Therefore, it is not recommended to incorporate straw mulch into cruciferous crop production as a management tactic for the yellow-margined leaf beetle. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Establishment of the Honduran parasitic fly will save populations of native Florida bromeliad species which are currently threatened and endangered due to the presence of the Mexican bromeliad weevil in the state. Introduction and establishment of Phaenochilus n. sp. will potentially control populations of the cycad aulacaspis scale on ornamental cycads in Florida and native cycads in Guam. Development in the field of augmentation biological control technology using field releases of insectary-reared predatory stinkbugs will provide organic growers a needed management tactic for controlling the yellow-margined leaf beetle on crucifer crops. Biological studies will provide greater insight into parasitoid/host interactions. Discovery and descriptions of new species will enhance our knowledge of biodiversity for biological control and protection of unique environments.
Publications
- Montemayor, C. O., and R. D. Cave. 2009. Prospects for biological control of the yellow-margined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma Stal. Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society (in press).
- Ratcliffe, B. C., and R. D. Cave. 2009. New species of Cyclocephala Dejean, 1821 from Guatemala (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Cyclocephalini). The Coleopterists Bulletin 63: 325-332.
- Cave, R. D. 2009. El valor de la biodiversidad: aportes para su conservacion y el diseno de sistemas agroecologicos sostenibles. Sistemas Agroecologicos y Modelos Biomatematicos 2(2): 33-38.
- Cave, R. D. 2009. Insectos invasores en sistemas agroecologicos: caracteristicas, ecologia y control. Sistemas Agroecologicos y Modelos Biomatematicos 2(2):38-43.
- Cave, R. D., R. Nguyen, V. Manrique, and P. B. Avery. 2009. New research on two natural enemies of the cycad aulacaspis scale. The Cycad Newsletter 32: 22-23.
- Cave, R. D., and B. C. Ratcliffe. 2009. Un sondeo biotico e inventario de los escarabajos dinastinos de Mesoamerica, Norteamerica y las Antillas: un proyecto multinacional a largo plazo. Cuadernos de Biodiversidad 29: 5-13.
- Cave, R. D., C. Sciacchetano, and R. Diaz. 2009. Temperature-dependent development of the cycad aulacaspis scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). Florida Entomologist 92(4): 578-581.
|
Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The biology and development of Lixadmontia franki, an endoparasitoid of bromeliad-eating weevils in the genus Metamasius, was described. Embryonic development is completed within 8 d post-mating while the egg is held inside the female reproductive system. Neonate larvae actively search for a host and initiate parasitism by penetrating the host's cuticle. Larval developmental time and pupation at 20 degrees C averaged 17 and 25 d, respectively, with no significant differences observed between genders. Adult males live on average 9 d compared to 17 d for females. Females are capable of parasitizing third to sixth instars of Metamasius quadrilineatus Chevrolat, but the highest levels of parasitism were observed when third and fourth instars were exposed to flies. Field releases of 1,828 adult L. franki were made at 8 sites on 20 dates. No indication of establishment is yet evident. Shipments from China containing hundreds of individuals of A. chionaspidis were placed on caged whole plants of C. revoluta infested with cycad aulacaspis scale (CAS). We are not yet certain whether the insect is A. chionaspisis or an undescribed species; cryptic species can be distinguished only through molecular and biological studies. While exploring in Thailand in October 2007, a lady beetle (Coccinellidae) was discovered feeding on CAS populations on Epicycas siamensis. Numerous larvae, pupae, and adults were shipped to the FDACS quarantine in Gainesville. A colony of this predator was firmly established in the Gainesville quarantine; a second colony of this insect was subsequently established in the Ft. Pierce quarantine. Dr. Natalia Vandenberg determined the insect is a new species in the genus Phaenochilus. Adults and larvae were exposed to other armored scale species, soft scales, whitefly nymphs, aphids, mealybugs, psyllids, and citrus leafminer larvae. Predation was noted only on other armored scale species and a few whiefly nymphs; no feeding on other potential prey was observed. A petition for field release of Phaenochilus n. sp. is in preparation. Preliminary studies were conducted to examine the potential use of I. fumosorosea to control CAS in the laboratory. Results showed that nymphs of the scale became infected with the fungus. High mortality was recorded when two concentrations were used at 20 and 30 degrees C (70-90% infection at the highest concentration). Comparative feeding studies revealed that development time of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri was longer than that of R. lophanthae. All instars and adults of R. lophanthae consumed more female scales and had more feeding days than larvae and adults of C. montrouzieri. Research in the laboratory demonstrated that the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris, can complete its life cycle by feeding on either eggs or larvae of the yellowmargined leaf beetle under a controlled environment. Nymphs can consume an average of 69 3rd and 4th instar yellowmargined leaf beetles or 658 eggs during their developmental period. PARTICIPANTS: J. Howard Frank, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville FL and Ru Nguyen, Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Gainesville, FL TARGET AUDIENCES: USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service Plant Pest Quarantine and Florida Council of Bromeliad Societies, Inc. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Research on biological control of the yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma, has been initiated. Research on citrus pests has been discontinued.
Impacts
Establishment of the Honduran parasitic fly will save populations of native Florida bromeliad species which are currently threatened and endangered due to the presence of the Mexican bromeliad weevil in the state. Introduction and establishment of natural enemies of the cycad aulacaspis scale will safely control pests of a popular landscape plant and flora in gardens and landscapes, respectively. The development of the entomopathogenic fungus Isaria fumosorosea as a viable and cost-effective tool for controlling populations will have a beneficial economic impact on the agricultural industry by helping cycad producers reduce their production costs and allow them to market their products pest-free. Biological studies will provide greater insight into parasitoid/host interactions. Discovery and descriptions of new species will enhance our knowledge of biodiversity for biological control and protection of unique environments.
Publications
- Hunnicutt, L.E., J. Mozoruk, W.B. Hunter, J.M. Crosslin, R.D. Cave & C.A. Powell. 2008. Prevalence and natural host range of Homalodisca coagulata virus-1 (HoCV-1). Archives of Virology 153: 61-67.
- Ratcliffe, B.C. & R.D. Cave. 2008. The Dynastinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) of the Bahamas with description of a new species of Cyclocephala from Great Inagua Island. Insect Mundi 24: 1-10.
- Suazo, A., R.D. Cave & J.H. Frank. 2008. Reproductive biology and development of Lixadmontia franki (Diptera: Tachinidae), a parasitoid of bromeliad-eating weevils. Florida Entomologist 91: 453-459.
- Ratcliffe, B.C. & R.D. Cave. 2008. A biotic survey and inventory of the dynastine scarab beetles of Mesoamerica, North America, and the West Indies: Review of a long-term, multi-country project. Zoosystema 30: 651-663.
- Cave, R.D. 2008. Lixadmontia franki Wood and Cave released to control the Mexican bromeliad weevil. Tachinid Times 21: 12-14.
- Cave, R.D. 2008. Biological control of the Mexican bromeliad weevil. Biocontrol News & Information 29: 1N-2N.
- Cave, R.D. & B.C. Ratcliffe. 2008. Scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea). p. 3273-3286. In J. Capinera (ed.). Encyclopedia of Entomology, Volume 4. Springer, Germany.
|
Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Technology for producing large numbers of the parasitic fly Lixadmontia franki was developed in order to produce adequate numbers for field releases in a biological control program directed against the Mexican bromeliad weevil, Metamasius callizona. Puparia of this natural enemy are regularly imported from a colony at the Panamerican School of Agriculture in Honduras, to enhance the gene pool in the Florida colony and maintain sufficient numbers in the breeding population. Field releases began on June 29 with the release of 56 adult flies at Lake Rogers State Park. From July to September, releases were done at the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (91 flies released), Enchanted Forest Park (132 flies released), Big Cypress National Preserve (98 flies released), and again at Lake Rogers State Park (164 flies released). Adult flies of the F2 generation at the Lake Rogers site were recovered 2 months after the first release there. Additional releases and monitoring for
establishment are continuing. Macerated Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish moss) was shown to be a suitable substrate for rearing and parasitizing larvae of the Mexican bromeliad weevil, but was inferior to pineapple cores. Attempts to establish sustainable breeding colonies of Arrhenophagus chionaspidis and Aprostocetus purpureus, two parasitoids of the cycad aulacaspis scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui, were unsuccessful. Preparations were put in place to conduct exploration in Thailand and Vietnam for natural enemies of the cycad aulacaspis scale and collect new live material of A. chionaspidis and A. purpureus. Revisions of the Cybocephalidae of the West Indies and Mexico were completed and published. Experimental field releases of the predatory beetle Rhyzobius lophanthae to control cycad aulacaspis scale in Tampa proved to be ineffective between July and October. Comparative feeding studies revealed that development time of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri was significantly longer than that of
R. lophanthae at 18 and 24 degrees C. All instars and adults of R. lophanthae consumed more female scales and had more feeding days at 18 and 24 degrees C than larvae and adults of C. montrouzieri. All instars of C. montrouzieri had more feeding days and consumed more female scales at 24 versus 18 degrees C. Only third instar R. lophanthae had more feeding days and consumed more prey at 24 versus 18 degrees C. Analysis of data that relates presence of red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, with parasitism of citrus leafminer was completed and results published. Tree islands in South Florida Water Manangement District's Water Conservation Area 3A were surveyed for presence of invasive invertebrates. Only two species of ecological concern, the lac scale, Paratachardina pseudolobata, and the red imported fire ant, were detected; Mexican bromeliad weevil is not present.
PARTICIPANTS: J. Howard Frank, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville FL; Marjorie Hoy, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville FL; Ru Nguyen, Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Gainesville, FL
TARGET AUDIENCES: USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service Plant Pest Quarantine; Florida Council of Bromeliad Societies, Inc.; South Florida Water Management District
Impacts
Establishment of the Honduran parasitic fly will save populations of native Florida bromeliad species which are currently threatened and endangered due to the presence of the Mexican bromeliad weevil in the state. Introduction and establishment of natural enemies of the cycad aulacaspis scale will safely control pests of a popular landscape plant and flora in gardens and landscapes, respectively. The result will be more effective IPM programs and control of pest populations for which pesticides have not been effective. Biological studies will provide greater insight into parasitoid/host interactions. Discovery and descriptions of new species will enhance our knowledge of biodiversity for biological control and protection of unique environments. Detection of invasive arthropods on fragile Everglades tree islands will determine the need for management practices, such as biological control, to be put in place.
Publications
- Cave, R.D. 2006. Biological control agents of the cycad aulacaspis scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui. Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society 119: 422-424.
- Smith, T.R. & R.D. Cave. 2007. The Cybocephalidae (Coleoptera) of the West Indies and Trinidad. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 100: 164-172.
- Smith, T.R. & R.D. Cave. 2007. The Cybocephalidae (Coleoptera) of Mexico. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 100: 839-849.
- Smith, T.R. & R.D. Cave. 2006. Pesticide susceptibility of Cybocephalus nipponicus Endrody-Younga and Rhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell (Coleoptera: Cybocephalidae, Coccinellidae). Florida Entomologist 89: 502-507.
- Zappala, L., M.A. Hoy & R.D. Cave. 2007. Interactions between the red imported fire ant, the citrus leafminer, and its parasitoid Ageniaspis citricola (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae): laboratory and field evaluations. BioControl Science and Technology 17: 353-363.
|
Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
A parasitic fly from Honduras that parasitizes weevil larvae infesting bromeliads was described and named as Lixadmontia franki Wood and Cave. Puparia of this natural enemy are regularly imported into quarantine and research is underway to develop a mass rearing technology for eventual release of the fly in Florida for biological control of the Mexican bromeliad weevil, Metamasius callizona. Various techniques of presenting host weevil larvae to female L. franki are under study. A method for manually parasitizing host weevil larvae with fly maggots extracted from the female's abdomen is being investigated. An experiment is being conducted to test the feasibility of using macerated Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish moss) in an artificial diet for rearing host weevils; attraction to female L. franki is also being examined. In olfactometry experiments, the choice of females for males on male-chewed leaves was significantly greater than for clean air. Males or pineapple
leaves alone were not significantly more attractive than clean air. This supports the hypothesis that male M. callizona produce a pheromone. The developmental biology and fecundity of M. mosieri was studied. A long-term study of the population dynamics and parasitism of the cycad aulacaspis scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui, determined the rate of infestation by the scale on king sago and correlated host density with rates of parasitism, which overall is about 35-40%. Developmental time of A. yasumatsui was determined to vary from 47 days at 18˚C to 20 days at 30˚C for females and from 30 days at 20˚C to 20 days 30˚C for males. Development of female Coccobius fulvus ranged from 35 days at 22˚C to 22 days at 25˚C and adult females lived 30 days when fed with honey. Sixteen species of Coccinellidae were identified as predators on scale-infested plants, but only larvae and adults of Rhyzobius lophanthae and Chilocorus cacti occur in abundant numbers. Revisions of
the Cybocephalidae of the West Indies and Mexico were completed, with descriptions of nine new species. Exploration in China and Vietnam indicates that the parasitoid Arrhenophagus sp. causes high rates of parasitism (up to 74%) in male A. yasumatsui. An undetermined species of Aprostocetus was discovered and is widespread, but is not abundant except for one site in coastal Vietnam. Experiments with rearing the larvae of Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus indicate that they will develop on the roots of eggplant and cotton in 7-8 weeks. Information for the adventive pest arthropod/natural enemy electronic database was compiled, formatted, and entered.
Impacts
Establishment of the Honduran parasitic fly will save populations of native Florida bromeliad species which are currently threatened and endangered due to the presence of the Mexican bromeliad weevil in the state. Introduction and establishment of natural enemies of the cycad aulacaspis scale and grey weevil will safely control pests of a popular landscape plant and flora in gardens and landscapes, respectively. The result will be more effective IPM programs and control of pest populations for which pesticides have not been effective. Biological studies will provide greater insight into parasitoid/host interactions. Discovery and descriptions of new species will enhance our knowledge of biodiversity for biological control and protection of unique environments. Electronic database disseminates information on plants pests and their biological control agents.
Publications
- Wood, D.M. & R.D. Cave. 2006. Description of a new genus and species of weevil parasitoid from Honduras (Diptera: Tachinidae). Florida Entomologist 89:239-244.
- Suazo, A. N. Arismendi, J. H. Frank & R. D. Cave. 2006. Method for continuously rearing Lixadmontia franki (Diptera: Tachinidae), a potential biological control agent of Metamasius callizona (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae). Florida Entomologist 89:348-353.
- Smith, T.R., R.D. Cave & G.S. Hodges. 2006. A new North American record for Haliaspis nakaharai (Homoptera:Diaspididae). Florida Entomologist 89:414-415.
- Smith, T.R. & R.D. Cave. 2006. Life history of Cybocephalus nipponicus Endrody-Younga (Coleoptera: Cybocephalidae), a predator of Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (Homoptera: Diaspididae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 108: 905-916.
- Cave, R.D., P.S. Duetting, O.R. Creel & C.L. Branch. 2006. Biology of Metamasius mosieri (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), with a description of the larval and pupal stages. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 99: 1146-1153.
- Smith, T.R. & R.D. Cave. 2006. Pesticide susceptibility of Cybocephalus nipponicus Endrody-Younga and Rhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell (Coleoptera:Cybocephalidae, Coccinellidae). Florida Entomologist 89: (in press).
- Suazo, A., D. Pu Pacheco, R.D. Cave & J.H. Frank. 2006. Longevity and fecundity of Metamasius quadrilineatus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) females on a natural bromeliad host in the laboratory. Coleopterists Bulletin 60:(in press).
|
Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Collaborative work at the Panamerican School of Agriculture in Honduras developed an efficient method for rearing a parasitic fly which attacks the Mexican bromeliad weevil, Metamasius callizona. The fly is being described as a new species in a new genus. Cool temperatures and appropriate light conditions were shown to be crucial factors. Studies showed that multiple fly larvae will successfully develop within a single 3rd or 4th instar M. callizona. The larva of Metamasius mosieri is also parasitized, but not at as high of a rate as larvae of M. callizona and larvae of the fly's native host, Metamasius quadrilineatus. Only one fly larva will develop in a larva of M. mosieri. Shipments of puparia of the parasitic fly were received into quarantine, but attempts at establishment were unsuccessful due to only 8 adults resulting from the consignment. Exploration for new natural enemies of bromeliad weevils was conducted in Peru, but no weevils attacking bromeliads were
found. Exploration was also conducted in northern Guatemala, and one individual of cf. Lixophaga was collected. In olfactometry experiments, the choice of females for males on male-chewed leaves was significantly greater than for clean air. Males or pineapple leaves alone were not significantly more attractive than clean air. This supports the hypothesis that male M. callizona produce a pheromone, and is the first report of this species utilizing semiochemicals. The developmental biology and fecundity of M. mosieri was studied. A long-term study of the population dynamics and parasitism of the cycad aulacaspis scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui, determined the rate of infestation by the scale on king sago and correlated host density with rates of parasitism, which overall is about 35-40%. Developmental time of male and female A. yasumatsui was measured at three constant temperatures. Fourteen species of Coccinellidae were identified as predators on scale-infested plants, but only larvae and
adults of one, Rhyzobius lophanthae, occur in abundant numbers. A revision of the Cybocephalus of North America north of Mexico was completed, with descriptions of two new species. The life history of the predatory beetle Cybocephalus nipponicus was studied by rearing the beetle on A. yasumatsui. Mean developmental times of the egg, larval, and pupal stages were determined. The susceptibility of C. nipponicus and R. lophanthae to six pesticides commonly used for control of A. yasumatsui was quantified. A shipment of the parasitic wasp Arrhenophagus chionaspidis from China was received into quarantine and an attempt at establishing a colony failed. Preliminary experiments revealed that larvae of Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus will complete their development on eggplant roots in 7-8 weeks. An experiment to study timing of oil sprays to improve the ratio of citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella, to its parasitoid, Ageniaspis citricola, was terminated because trees required
destruction due to presence nearby of trees discovered with citrus canker. Information for the adventive pest arthropod/natural enemy electronic database was compiled, formatted, and entered.
Impacts
Establishment of the Honduran parasitic fly will save populations of native Florida bromeliad species which are currently threatened and endangered due to the presence of the Mexican bromeliad weevil in the state. Introduction and establishment of natural enemies of the cycad aulacaspis scale and grey weevil safely will control pests of a popular landscape plant and flora in gardens and landscapes. The result will be more effective IPM programs and control of pest populations for which pesticides have not been effective. Biological studies will provide greater insight into parasitoid/host interactions. Discovery and descriptions of new species will enhance our knowledge of biodiversity for biological control and protection of unique environments. Electronic database disseminates information on plants pests and their biological control agents.
Publications
- Frank, H. & R. Cave. 2005. Metamasius callizona is destroying Florida's native bromeliads. Second International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods 1:91-101
- Cave, R.D. 2005.Trigonopeltastes delta (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) larva developing in a bromeliad terrarium. Coleopterists Bulletin (in press).
- Smith, T.R. & R.D. Cave. 2006. The Cybocephalidae (Coleoptera) of America north of Mexico. Annals of the Entomological Society of America (submitted).
|
Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Collaborative work with the Panamerican School of Agriculture in Honduras developed a method for rearing a parasitic fly, an undescribed species of Lixophaga, which attacks the Mexican bromeliad weevil, Metamasius callizona. Cool temperatures and appropriate light conditions were shown to be crucial factors. Studies were initiated on parasitization of M. callizona and Metamasius mosieri by Lixophaga n. sp. Exploration for new natural enemies of bromeliad weevils was conducted in Paraguay, but no weevils attacking bromeliads were found. Olfactometry experiments indicated that male and female M. callizona may utilize slightly different odor cues to orient towards plants, and that the attractive volatiles are related to the weevils themselves and/or weevil-damaged plant material. The developmental biology and fecundity of Metamasius mosieri was studied. A long-term study of the population dynamics and parasitism of the cycad aulacaspis scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui,
determined the rate of infestation by the scale on king sago and correlated host density with rates of parasitism. Fourteen species of Coccinellidae were identified as predators on scale-infested plants, but only larvae of one, Rhyzobius lophanthae, occur in abundant numbers. The taxonomic identity of the species of Cybocephalus found on scale-infested cycads in south Florida was ascertained to be Cybocephalus nipponicus and the life history of this predator with A. yasumatsui as prey was studied. Six species of parasitic wasps that attack the cycad aulacaspis scale were received from China, but only one species, Arrhenophagus chionaspidis, shows promise. A search for natural enemies of the grey weevil, Myllocerus undecimpunctulatus undatus, was conducted in Sri Lanka, but none were discovered. Field experiments demonstrated that red imported fire ants do not interfere significantly with parasitism of citrus leafminer by Ageniaspis citrella or parasitism of Asian citrus psyllid by
Tamarixia radiata. A format was designed for the adventive pest arthropod/natural enemy electronic database; information for the database was collated and entered into it. The database should be on-line in early 2005.
Impacts
Biological control agents of the Mexican bromeliad weevil, cycad aulacaspis scale and grey weevil safely control pests of endangered bromeliads, a popular landscape plant and flora in gardens and landscapes. Studies of beneficial species interactions offer an understanding of the citrus crop system. Electronic database disseminates information on plants pests and their biological control agents.
Publications
- Cave, R.D., J.H. Frank, B.C. Larson and M. Owen. 2003. Exploration for parasitoids of bromeliad weevils in Mesoamerica. Journal of the Bromeliad Society 53(6): 243-249, 261-265
|
|