Biological Control of Tropical Soda Apple (Solanaceae) in Florida: Post-Release Evaluation

Establishment and Initial Impact of the Leaf-BeetleGratiana boliviana(Chrysomelidae), First Biocontrol Agent Released Against Tropical Soda Apple in Florida

“…There was a negative correlation (r = -0.55) between the level of tropical soda apple plant defoliation and number of G. boliviana beetles per plant during 2005 because the beetles had dispersed due to lack of food. Beetles showed a dispersal ability of approximately 1.6 km year -1 during the evaluation period, which is in agreement with annual dispersal distances reported by Medal et al (2010a) in post-release evaluations conducted during 2006-07 with the same insect in Sumter County, Central Florida. However shorter dispersal distances of the same biocontrol agent were reported by Overholt et al (2009) in St. Lucie County, Florida.…”

“…Results of this study indicated that the presence of G. boliviana was associated with smaller tropical soda apple plants and fewer fruits per plant. A similar decrease in fruit production was found by Medal et al (2010a) in Sumter County, Florida during 2006-07. Further this result is in agreement with a 2008 statewide survey conducted to determine the geographic distribution and abundance of G. boliviana and to obtain information on the impact of G. boliviana on the tropical soda apple plant performance (Overholt et al 2009).…”

World Spread of Tropical Soda Apple (Solanum viarum) under Global Change: Historical Reconstruction, Niche Shift, and Potential Geographic Distribution

“…For example, in New Zealand, centralized livestock management is the main method used to control this weed [ 66 ]. Countries already invaded by S. viarum should intensify on–farm control using hexazinone and imazapyr herbicides [ 67 ] or release the natural enemy Gratiana boliviana [ 14 ]. All countries need to establish more effective quarantine processes at international borders, which are essential for interrupting the international transmission routes of S. viarum .…”

“…Solanum viarum is spread via three main ways, namely as a popular medicinal plant by anthropic activity (international trade), as fruits by animals (e.g., birds and cattle), and naturally by vectors such as wind or water [ 13 ]. The species has been observed in pine forests, pastures, citrus plantations, and urban riparian habitats [ 14 ]. The species loss, health damage, and economic costs it causes in different ecosystems are of great concern, despite its medicinal value in India [ 15 ].…”

Host Specificity ofAnthonomus tenebrosus(Coleoptera: Curculionidae), A Potential Biological Control Agent of Tropical Soda Apple (Solanaceae) in Florida

“…Due, at least in part, to favorable environmental conditions, the lack of natural enemies (herbivores and pathogens), and seed dispersal by wildlife and cattle feeding on the fruits. TSA has been spreading rapidly and has been observed in the majority of the counties in Florida and also in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Puerto Rico (Bryson & Byrd Jr. 1996;Dowler 1996;Mullahey et al , 1998Medal et al 2003Medal et al , 2010a. Although TSA has been reported in Pennsylvania and Tennessee, it is highly probable that does not overwinter in these states.…”