Native range efficacy assessment of Calophya terebinthifolii , a candidate biological control agent of Schinus terebinthifolia in Florida, USA

Background Aroeira or Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae: Rhoeae), is one of the worst invasive plants in California, Florida, and Hawaii, USA because its wide distribution, adaptation to various habitats, toxicity, demonstrated negative impacts on biodiversity. Chemical mechanical methods provide only temporary control, are expensive, may damage native plants, often create disturbance conducive reinvasion by peppertree other weeds. The leaflet galling psyllid Calophya terebinthifolii Burckhardt & Basset (Calophyidae: Calophyinae) [...]