Biological Control of the Invasive Weed Schinus terebinthifolia (Brazilian Peppertree): A Review of the Project with an Update on the Proposed Agents

摘要: Schinus terebinthifolia (Brazilian Peppertree) is a South American plant that has become invasive in many countries around the world. It was introduced into US about 100 years ago as an ornamental. Escaping cultivation, it now occurs Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Texas, California, and Hawai'i. This species one of most weeds threatening agriculture natural areas Southeast. Efforts to manage Brazilian Peppertree populations with biological controls began Hawai'i 1950s resulted release 3 insect species. However, control agents have had minimal impact, weed continues be difficult problem. More recently, our international team collaborators discovered tested numerous new potential agents. These attack different tissues include defoliators, sap-suckers, stem borers, leaf- stem-gall formers. Despite difficulty finding agent sufficiently specific for field we narrowed 2 promising species, thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) foliage-gall former Calophya latiforceps Burckhardt. Results no-choice choice trials conducted overseas quarantine indicate both will safely contribute this weed. Herbivorous feeding by immature adult individuals herbivore stunt growth, distort leaves, should reduce reproductive output Peppertree.