Mass-production of arthropods for biological control of weeds: a global perspective

Biology of Invasive Plants 4. Arundo donax L.

“…Two specialist, insect biological control agents from the native range of A. donax in Spain, including the wasp Tetramesa romana Walker (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) (Figure 13) and the armored scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Leonardi) (Homoptera: Diaspidae) (Figure 14) were mass-reared and first released in the lower Rio Grande basin of Texas, USA, and Mexico between 2009 and 2012 (Moran et al 2022; Racelis et al 2010; Villarreal et al 2016). The wasp T. romana lays eggs in canes and side shoots, causing formation of galls (abnormal plant growth) clustered at main and lateral shoot tips and resembling one large gall (Figure 13).…”

“…Biological control of the invasive cane with specialized insects was considered to be the best long-term option for managing A. donax , because it is low in cost, sustainable, and suitable for use in large areas (Seawright et al 2009). More than 1.2 million T. romana wasps were released through a mass-rearing (Moran et al 2022) and release program, including releases in specialized boxes dropped from airplanes in remote areas (Racelis et al 2010). The wasp T. romana can disperse 10 to 15 km yr −1 (Racelis et al 2009).…”