Florida Entomologist (2023) 106, 51-55
Dale A. Halbritter, Min B. Rayamajhi and Gregory S. Wheeler (2023)
Biocontrol bites biocontrol: Potential interference of the Brazilian peppertree biological control thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) by Montandoniola confusa (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)
Florida Entomologist 106 (1), 51-55
Abstract: Large-scale field releases of biological control agents to help manage the highly invasive Brazilian peppertree began in Jul 2019, with the first releases of the thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) in southern Florida. Release sites were routinely monitored for agent establishment and impacts on the target weed. Within 5 mo, we noted a pirate bug, Montandoniola confusa Streito and Matocq (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), feeding on an adult P. ichini thrips in an outdoor garden plot. Interestingly, this pirate bug is itself a biological control agent introduced to control a confamilial thrips pest of ornamental Ficus (Moraceae) trees. Instances of pirate bug predation on P. ichini, both inside our rearing facility and at field sites, have continued and are detailed herein. The average number of thrips produced in our rearing facility was reduced in cages that had pirate bug invasions compared to cages free of pirate bugs. Considerations for the continued biological control efforts of Brazilian peppertree are discussed.
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Full text of article
Database assignments for author(s): Min B. Rayamajhi
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation
Pest and/or beneficial records:
| Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant.
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schinus terebinthifolius (weed) | U.S.A. (SE) | |||
| Montandoniola confusa (predator) | Schinus terebinthifolius (weed) | U.S.A. (SE) | ||
| Pseudophilothrips ichini (weed bioagent) | Schinus terebinthifolius (weed) | U.S.A. (SE) |
