The main objective of this study was to determine the suitability of using introduced hydrilla leaf-mining flies (Hydrellia pakistanae Deonier and H. balciunasi Bock) for the management of monoecious hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle). This was accomplished using a variety of procedures and experimental designs, including small container bioassays, development of a greenhouse-based fly colony reared exclusively on monoecious hydrilla, a larger tank study designed to evaluate short-term impact on both monoecious and dioecious hydrilla, use of small ponds to evaluate establishment in a more natural situation, evaluation of overwintering biology of the agents, and field releases to determine establishment success.
This technical note summarizes the results of a scoping study to determine whether the introduced Nymphoides cristata and N. peltata are suitable targets for classical biological control in the United States. A thorough literature review of biology, management, and impacts of both Nymphoides spp. was conducted, and the standard Peschkin-McClay scoring system was applied to assess their suitability as classical biological control targets. Scores from independent reviewers were averaged; 146 for N. cristata and 148.5 for N. peltata. Based on these scores, it was concluded that these Nymphoides spp. are good candidates for biological control. Presented here is the justification for the Peschken-McClay scores and the results of climate-matching studies to determine overseas locations where initial exploration for agents should take place. NOTE: The contents of this technical note are not to be used for advertising, publication or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such products.
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