Marcelo D. Vitorino

The leafmining Leurocephala schinusae (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae): not suitable for the biological control of Schinus terebinthifolius (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) in continental USA

Abstract The host range of Leurocephala schinusae Davis & Mc Kay (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) was studied to assess its suitability as a biological control agent of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), a serious environmental weed in the USA and elsewhere in the world. The host range was determined in the laboratory with adult no-choice oviposition (Argentina and USA) and larval development tests (USA). Seventeen plant species in ten genera were selected based on taxonomic relatedness to S. terebinthifolius, economic importance, and availability. Additional information was obtained by sampling foliage of S. terebinthifolius and six other South American native Anacardiaceae species in north-eastern Argentina. In the laboratory, except for Lithrea molleoides and Spondias mombin, all of the tested species were accepted for oviposition with a marked preference for Rhus aromatica. Incipient mines successfully developed into complete mines, pupae and adults on R. aromatica, Rhus copallinum, Schinus molle, Schinus lentiscifolius and S. terebinthifolius. In the field, although L. schinusae showed a clear preference for S. terebinthifolius, the host range, as determined by samples of host use in the native range, included three other Schinus species (S. lentiscifolius, Schinus longifolius, Schinus weinmannifolius) and one Astronium species (Astronium balansae). In conclusion, L. schinusae will not be considered for the biological control of S. terebinthifolius in continental US. However, the utilisation of this species in other infested areas such as Hawaii and Australia should be further discussed.

Calophya latiforceps , a New Species of Jumping Plant Lice (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) Associated with Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae) in Brazil

ABSTRACT Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, is a perennial woody plant native to Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay that is recognized as one of the most invasive weeds in Florida. A new species of leaflet galling psyllid was discovered attacking Brazilian peppertree in Bahia, Brazil in March 2010. In this paper, a formal morphological description of the new psyllid Calophya latiforceps sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) is presented along with molecular evidence confirming new species designation. This previously unknown natural enemy may have potential as a biological control agent for the Brazilian peppertree.

Description and biology of Paectes longiformis (Lepidoptera: Euteliidae), a new species from Brazil and potential biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree in Florida

Abstract Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), native to South America, has invaded different habitats throughout south and central Florida. In recent surveys of natural enemies conducted in Salvador, Brazil (native range), a new species in the genus Paectes (Lepidoptera: Euteliidae) was found feeding on foliage of Brazilian peppertree. The objectives of this study were to describe the adult, larva and pupa and to examine the life history parameters of the new species, Paectes longiformis Pogue, a potential biocontrol agent of Brazilian peppertree. Survival and development of immature stages were examined at six constant temperatures (ranging from 16 to 34°C). All stages of P. longiformis were exposed to 0°C for 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 d, and lethal times were calculated (Ltime50, Ltime90). Paectes longiformis laid eggs singly on the plant foliage and completed five instars including a non-feeding pre-pupal stage that moved to the soil where it spun a cocoon. Complete development occurred at temperatures from 19 to 31°C, the lower developmental threshold was estimated to be 11.5°C and 454 degree-days were required to complete development from egg to adult. The lethal times at 0°C (Ltime50=1 d, Ltime90=5 d) were used to construct isothermal lines to predict areas of establishment in the continental US. The predicted distribution includes the southeastern states including Florida, in addition to southern Texas and Arizona, and California. Overall, this study provides a species description, along with baseline information about the biology and temperature requirements of P. longiformis, a potential biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree.

Host Specificity Tests of Gratiana graminea (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a Potential Biological Control Agent of Tropical Soda Apple, Solanum viarum (Solanaceae)

ABSTRACT Multiple-choice and no-choice tests were conducted at the Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry Quarantine facility in Gainesville, FL to determine the specificity of the Brazilian leaf-beetle Gratiana graminea Klug, a candidate for biological control of Solanum viarum, tropical soda apple. One hundred fifteen plant species in 32 families were included in the feeding-oviposition multiple-choice tests including the target weed and the 5 major cultivated Solanaceae Capsicum annuum L., Lycopersicon sculentum Mill., Nicotiana tabacum L., Solanum melongena L., and Solanum tuberosum L. Eight to 12 plant species, including always the main target weed, growing in 1-gallon pots were simultaneously exposed to 20 G. graminea adults (10 males and 10 females that most of the time had recently emerged from pupae) in an aluminum cage (60 × 60 × 60 cm). At the beginning of each test the insects were placed at the bottom center of each cage to allow them to orient by themselves to the tested plants. Plant species in each test were replicated 3–4 times (one replication of tested plants in each separate cage). Plants tested were exposed to G. graminea adults from 3–6 weeks. Observation of oviposition and feeding were made during almost all the weekdays. No-choice host specificity tests were conducted with G. graminea adults on potted plants in cages made of clear-plastic cylinders and with G. graminea larvae placed on cluster of leaves of each individual plant tested. Ten G. graminea adults were exposed to 29 plant species individually tested during 3 to 5 weeks, and 10 neonate larvae were exposed to 31 plant species. Plant species in each test were replicated 3–4 times. Results indicated that G. graminea fed and developed only on the target weed. The tests indicated that a host range expansion of G. graminea to any of the major cultivated Solanaceae species is highly unlikely. A petition for field release in Florida was submitted to the Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds (TAG) in Sep 2008.

Galls induced by Calophya latiforceps (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) reduce leaf performance and growth of Brazilian peppertree

ABSTRACT Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) (Brazilian peppertree) is one of the most serious terrestrial invasive plants in Florida. The leaf galling psyllid, Calophya latiforceps Burckhardt (Hemiptera: Calophyidae), was discovered feeding on the Brazilian peppertree in Bahia, Brazil, in 2010, and is being evaluated for release as a biological control agent. In order to understand how this candidate biological control agent affects the growth of S. terebinthifolia, we measured the effect of the psyllid on photosynthesis, leaf chlorophyll content and plant growth. Infested plants had lower photosynthesis compared to uninfested plants 30 and 45 days after gall initiation, and chlorophyll content was lower over a 70-d period. Plant height was reduced 31% and biomass 11% after three months of infestation. Results of these studies suggest that C. latiforceps will negatively affect the growth of the Brazilian peppertree if released in Florida.

Biology, Host Preferences, and Potential Distribution of Calophya terebinthifolii (Hemiptera: Calophyidae), a Candidate for Biological Control of Brazilian Peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia, in Florida

ABSTRACT Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae), a perennial woody plant native to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, has become one of the most invasive weeds in Florida. A leaflet pit galling psyllid, Calophya terebinthifolii Burckhardt & Basset (Hemiptera: Calophyidae), has been identified as a potential biological control agent for Brazilian peppertree. However, biological information on the psyllid, including its life history, rearing procedures and potential distribution, is lacking. This type of information is essential when importing an insect for biological control purposes. From May–Aug 2009, field and laboratory research was conducted in Gaspar, Santa Catarina, Brazil with psyllids collected from the Atlantic coastal region of Santa Catarina. Laboratory studies on the psyllid in Brazil focused on: female fecundity (55.3 ± 8.9 eggs/female), the number and size of the immature stages, age-specific survivorship, and mean generation time (43.7 ± 1.2 days). Preliminary evidence from feeding trials suggests this psyllid from the Atlantic coastal region of Santa Catarina is locally adapted to Brazilian peppertree plants of haplotype A, which is one of the genetic types that invaded Florida. Ecological niche modelling with MaxEnt confirmed there was climatic overlap between Florida and the native range of the psyllid in South America. Using collection and survey locations of the psyllid in its native range and point locations for haplotype A plants in Florida, a map was created that predicted Volusia, coastal Pasco and Hernando counties, and a small section of southwestern Polk county as suitable locations for establishment of the psyllid if it is approved for release as a biocontrol agent.

New Species Diversity Revealed from Molecular and Morphological Characterization of Gall-Inducing Calophya spp. (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) from Brazilian Peppertree

Summary Four populations of Calophya spp. (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) collected in Brazil were characterized using molecular and morphological methods. Examination of adults revealed the presence of 2 morphotypes, which were identified as C. latiforceps and C. terebinthifolii. However, morphological examination of 5th instar nymphs detected differences within C. latiforceps, with a population from Ubu, Espírito Santo, being distinct from the other 2 populations. Molecular characterization of the mitochondrial CO1 gene supported the presence of a new species of Calophya.

Taxonomy of Calophya (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) Species Associated with Schinus terebinthifolia (Anacardiaceae)

Abstract Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardaceae), native to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, is one of the most invasive weeds in Florida. In its native range, at least 4 psyllid species of the genus Calophya (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) are associated with it. All 4 species are monophagous and constitute a likely monophyletic group that induce pit galls, usually on the upper leaf surface. Here we revise the taxonomy of these species, 2 of which are described as new, viz. C. lutea sp. nov. and C. praestigiator sp. nov. Morphological differences between the 4 species are detailed and relevant structures are figured. Keys for adults and the fifth instars are provided for the identification of the 8 species known to induce pit galls on Schinus species.