2007 Exotics Species Workshop & Benedict Symposium
Abstracts
Ecophysiological characteristics of Brazilian pepper potentially contributing to its invasiveness in saline habitats of Southwest Florida
Presented by Sharon M.L. Ewe, Ecology and Environment, Inc.
Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) is one of the most widely dispersed invasive exotic species in Florida. This plant is found across a spectrum of habitats in Florida, from upland freshwater pine forests to brackish mangrove habitats. The purpose of this study was to identify some of the ecophysiological parameters potentially contributing to the presence and success of Brazilian pepper across different habitats in South Florida. In the brackish coastal habitat of southwest Florida, I contrasted the gas exchange and water uptake patterns of Brazilian pepper against several native species to identify if the exotic was responding differently from native species across different seasons. The findings showed that Brazilian pepper was less affected by seasonal fluxes compared to native freshwater species and additionally, exhibited some salinity tolerance. Greenhouse experiments examining the impacts of flooding and salinity also supported field findings. The plasticity in ecological and physiological responses of this exotic to flooding and salinity make it highly competitive against native species in a wide range of environments. These differences also potentially provide Brazilian pepper an edge over native species across a range of habitats in Florida.
[Top]
Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey - CAPS and several exotics (arthropods and plant diseases) that we are currently surveying for
Presented by Doug Restom Gaskill, Pest Survey Specialist, Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS), Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry
Website: http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/caps/index.html
Examples include:
1) Xyleborus glabratus (exotic ambrosia beetle responsible for transmitting a fungus to Persea spp. and other Lauraceae, resulting in Laurel Wilt Disease), see: http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/x.glabratus.html
2) Raoiella indica (red palm mite - affects palms, banana, heliconia, ginger), see: http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/r.indica.html
3) Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (cotton seed bug - affects Malvaceae, Sterculiaceae, and Tiliaceae), see: http://www.pestalert.org/viewArchNewsStory.cfm?nid=181&keyword=cotton seed bug
[Top]
Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control for Private Landowners in Florida: The Incentive Program Matrix
Presented by Erin P. Myers, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Kathy O'Reilly-Doyle, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Kristina Serbesoff-King, The Nature Conservancy
Many agencies and organizations who work with private landowners know that there is never a "one size fits all" approach to dealing with private landowners and it is advantageous to provide flexible funding options, training, assistance and incentives according to landowner needs. The Private Land Incentive Sub-working Group of the Florida Invasive Species Working Group (ISWG) was developed in 2006 to determine how to better assist landowners with invasive plant species management on private lands and coordinate these efforts with invasive species control measures on public lands. We found that, although there are numerous technical and financial sources available to private landowners, it is often difficult for a landowner to discern which program they are qualified for. Government agency personnel may only provide information about programs they administer, being unaware of other options that might be advantageous to the landowner. Public land managers do not have the funds, staff or authority to "cross the fenceline" and assist their neighbors with invasive species control. Consequently, a private landowner may be denied for one program, receive little to no technical assistance or information about other programs, and subsequently lose interest in managing for invasive species. We are developing a dynamic "Incentive Program Matrix" of existing federal, state and local funding sources, incentive programs and technical assistance for private landowners in Florida. This coordinated effort serves to protect our valuable conservation areas, public lands and private lands from the continuing colonization of invasive species across the landscape.
[Top]
Non-Native Apple Snails in Florida: 2007 Update
Presented by Tim Collins, Florida International University, and Phil Darby, University of West Florida
Populations of non-native apple snails are being discovered with increasing frequency in Florida. Recent work (Rawlings et al., 2007) has clarified species identities, geographic origins, and summarized information on the distribution of non-native apple snails in the continental United States available at the time. Given the dramatic effects that introduced apple snails have had on both natural habitats and agricultural areas in Southeast Asia, their introduction here is cause for concern. For example, the parasite complement of these species is unknown, with implications for native apple snails, native species that prey on apple snails, and, possibly, human residents. In addition, there is potential for competitive interactions or hybridization with the native apple snail Pomacea paludosa. In this presentation we discuss identities of non-native species in Florida, update information on these species, and present preliminary data suggesting detrimental affects of one of those species, Pomacea insularum, on the native apple snail.
[Top]
The latest about Mexican bromeliad weevil (Metamasius callizona) and its control
Presented by Howard Frank PhD, University of Florida
Releases beginning in June 2007 at several sites in Florida of a parasitoid fly, Lixadmontia franki, against Mexican bromeliad weevil offer hope of reducing destruction caused by the weevil. The weevil has been trashing native Florida bromeliads unopposed for too long. The anti-weevil team has high hopes for the fly. Nevertheless, the team is trying not to put all its eggs into one basket.
[Top]
Biology, Impacts, and Biocontrol of Red Imported Fire Ants
Presented by Sanford D. Porter, PhD, Research Entomologist, USDA-ARS, CMAVE
This presentation will review the biology and history of red imported fire ants in Florida. The ecology and impacts of fire ants on native animals will be emphasized, especially impacts on several rare and endangered species. Finally, recent progress and future possibilities will be discussed concerning the release of self-sustaining bio-control agents from South America.
[Top]