Ecological host range testing complements pre-release fundamental by offering a more realistic picture of insect plant use in the field, including spillover risk. The biological control program targeting weed Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) first released flush-feeding thrips Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) Florida 2019. Pre-release quarantine indic...

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, native to South America, is an invasive weed in Florida, California, Texas, and Hawaii. Genetic studies have recognized two S. terebinthifolius haplotypes (A and B) in Florida, and extensive hybridization has occurred between these two populations. Three candidate biological control agents were identified from the native range (Brazil); a le...

Mass rearing is a critical component of successful biological control program and strongly dependent on the diet agents consume. We investigated impact fertilizing target Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia, plant terpenoids phenology, fecundity, morphometrics thrips agent, Pseudophilothrips ichini. Plants in 3.8 L pots were fertilized (24N-8P-16K) at one three concentrations every tw...