Cactoblastis cactorum (Cactus moth) Cactoblastis cactorum, the cactus moth, is native to South America and feeds on plants of the genus Opuntia. The larvae eat internal tissues gregariously, favoring secondary infections, exposing the plant to death. This pest threatens the unique diversity of cacti and the prickly pear industry,...
Gamma radiation and natural compounds for the control of invasive and/or pest ants The use of gamma radiation in ants is currently an alternative that is being used to replace the use of conventional insecticides to control invasive and/or pest ants. Low doses of ionizing radiation are...
Solenopsis invicta, S. richteri (Fire ants) The population density of fire ants in southern South America is several times lower than in the areas where they have been introduced: southern USA, Puerto Rico and California, Arizona and New Mexico. This species affects agriculture, wildlife and human populations,...
Wasmannia auropunctata (Little fire ant)The little fire ant is a pest, not only in some places in its native range (Colombia and Brazil), but also in new invaded areas: Caribbean and Pacific Islands, Subtropical Atlantic Islands, the USA and West Africa, Israel, Spain y France.Its presence...
Hypogeococcus sp., Cactaceae Brasil-Puerto Rico haplotype (Cactus mealybug) Hypogeococcus sp., a member of the H. pungens species complex “HCM”, is a serious pest of cacti in Puerto Rico, and a threat to cacti in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States. As the damage caused by this mealybug is extensive,...
Clorosis Variegada de los Cítricos (CVC) In search of a rational management of Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC) disease in Argentina, we are conducting surveys of potential vectors (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) of CVC in citrus agroecosystems of NOA and NEA, in order to select egg parasitoids for their...
Huanglongbing (HLB) HLB is a lethal disease produced by a bacterium of the Candidatus Liberibacter genus and transmitted by the psyllid Diaphorina citri that affects citrus, obstructing the transport of nutrients in the plant. The spread of the disease can be avoided by preventing its re-entry into the country and...
Alternanthera philoxeroides (Alligator weed) Alternanthera philoxeroides is an amphibian plant native to South America. It is considered a weed of agroecosystems and natural ecosystems in Argentina and in over 30 countries where it produces enormous damage. Different management strategies are used worldwide, from chemical to biological control. The South...
Pontederia crassipes (Water hyacinth) Water hyacinth is a floating and perennial plant, of high ornamental value. It was introduced worldwide from South America. It is currently considered one of the most invasive aquatic species due to its rapid growth and high dispersal capacity.From the beginning of our...
Solanum elaeagnifolium (Silverleaf nightshade) This weed is distributed in a wide range of habitats and latitudes. Locally, it is considered to be a noxious weed and, worldwide, as one of the worst invasive weeds. The need for plant management methods, including biological control, is urgent, particularly,...