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Influence of host-plant quality on the performance of Episimus unguiculus, a candidate biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree in Florida

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Abstract

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae), introduced from South America, invades a variety of habitats in Florida (e.g. disturbed sites, coastal mangrove forests). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of host-plant quality on the performance of Episimus unguiculus Clarke (=E. utilis Zimmerman) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a potential biocontrol agent of Brazilian peppertree. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory using Brazilian peppertrees exposed either to different salinity levels (0, 6, 12 parts per thousand), or to different nutrient levels (low, medium, high). Higher survival (55%) and faster development (32 day) to adulthood was observed on plants grown in fresh-water environments (0 ppt) compared to low (6 ppt) or high-salinity environments (12 ppt). In addition, higher survival (40%), faster development (34 day) and higher fertility (88% eggs hatched) occurred in high-nutrient treatments. Based on these results, field releases should be conducted in favorable habitats (e.g., low salinity, high fertility soils) to maximize the possibility of establishment and population growth of E. unguiculus in Florida.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the colleagues from the weed biological control laboratory (University of Florida) for their constant support and assistance during this study: J. Gillmore, J. C. Medal, R. Diaz, J. Markle, L. Markle, Y. Valenzuela, D. Gonzalez and A. Samayoa. Special thanks to the collaborators in Brazil for providing the insects: H. J. Pedrosa-Macedo (Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil), and M. Vitorino (University of Blumenau, Brazil). This project was supported by grants from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, South Florida Water Management District, Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, and the Smithsonian Marine Station at Ft. Pierce.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biological Control Research and Containment Laboratory, University of Florida, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, FL, 34945, USA

    Veronica Manrique & W. A. Overholt

  2. Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Bldg. 970 Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    J. P. Cuda

  3. Ecology and Environment, Inc., 1665 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL, 33401, USA

    S. M. L. Ewe

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  1. Veronica Manrique
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  2. J. P. Cuda
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  3. W. A. Overholt
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  4. S. M. L. Ewe
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Correspondence to Veronica Manrique.

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Handling Editor: John Scott.

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Manrique, V., Cuda, J.P., Overholt, W.A. et al. Influence of host-plant quality on the performance of Episimus unguiculus, a candidate biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree in Florida. BioControl 54, 475–484 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-008-9196-3

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