Does insects help to control invasive air potatoes? – Sanibel-Captiva

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that the air potato (Dioscoreria Bulbiera) is an invasive, exotic vine from Africa and Southeast Asia, which was introduced in the USA as a food harvest and ornamental plant. Before the hurricane Ian, it had become a problematic exotic plant on the islands, which required great efforts to eradicate.

His large heart -shaped leaves can quickly dominate a tree line, which leads to shading trees and the entertaining plants.

“The hurricane Ian really hit it back in many areas and in some cases better than we do. This also applies to other exotic plant species on the island, ”said Chris Lechowicz, director of SCCF Wildlife & Habitat Management.

Scientists of the invasive research laboratory for USDA agricultural research services in Fort Lauderdale have released biological control insects to various areas in Florida in order to control the spread of the harmful exotic plant.

The first insect that was released was Lilioceris Cheni, a native of Asia. It was published on the island several years ago. The latest insects that is published is Lilioceris Egena, which is called “Air Potato Beetle” and is located in Southeast Asia.

“It was brought into quarantine and tested for two years to ensure that local plants do not damage before it was released in areas that are affected with air potatoes,” he said.

The first batches were released in Florida in 2021. They feed on the leaves and onions – the potato – of the plant. They also put eggs in the onions to prevent them from sprouting. With the help of the SCCF field technician Dustin Lucas, they were released in several places in several places at the end of October.

“So far, the results have been unknown because a large part of the air potato plants died on the storm surge of Helene and Milton,” said Lechowicz.

However, air potatoes survived in the higher altitude areas of the island.

“We will get a better idea of ​​every success in spring and summer when new plants usually appear,” he said.