Aquatic Plant Control Research Program. Alligatorweed Survey of Ten Southern States
Abstract
Alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb.) is an exotic South American plant introduced into the United States prior to 1897. It rapidly developed into problem levels throughout most southern states, where it outcompetes native vegetation and interferes with navigation and recreational use of waterways. Three biological control agents Agasicles hygrophila (Selman and Vogt), Amynothrips andersoni (O'Neill) and Vogita malloi (Pastrana) were released in the United States between 1964 and 1970 for the control of alligatorweed. A review of the releases and population development of these insect species was conducted through 1972 by US Department of Agriculture scientists. The objectives of this study were to: (a) determine the current extent of the alligatorweed population in each state and ascertain whether or not it occurred at problem levels, (b) define the current population levels of biocontrol agents at selected original release sites and assess their impacts on the alligatorweed population, (c) describe the current distribution of each species of biocontrol agent in each state, (d) identify environmental factors influencing the effectiveness of each biocontrol agent, and (e) provide recommendations for managers to enhance the effectiveness of each biocontrol agent in areas where control has not been achieved. Keywords: Biological weed control; Aquatic weeds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA197509
Entities
People
- Alfred F. Confrancesco Jr.