FuEDEI in brief

We conduct research, provide advice, and collaborate on developing biological control strategies for invasive species.

FuEDEI at a glance
0Biological control
projects
0Potential BC agents
evaluated
0Scientific
publications
0Collaborating
institutions
Global reach

Red de colaboradores

Estados Unidos Estados Unidos Brasil Brasil Australia Australia Reino Unido Reino Unido Bélgica Bélgica Suiza Suiza Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Sudáfrica Sudáfrica Paraguay Paraguay Uruguay Uruguay Chile Chile Argentina Argentina Australia Bélgica Brasil Chile Estados Unidos Paraguay Reino Unido Sudáfrica Suiza Uruguay Zimbabwe
FuEDEI (sede) Países colaboradores Otros

Collaborators

  • 🇦🇷Argentina (HQ)
  • 🇦🇺Australia
  • 🇧🇪Belgium
  • 🇧🇷Brazil
  • 🇨🇱Chile
  • 🇺🇸United States
  • 🇵🇾Paraguay
  • 🇬🇧United Kingdom
  • 🇿🇦South Africa
  • 🇨🇭Switzerland
  • 🇺🇾Uruguay
  • 🇿🇼Zimbabwe
Our mission

What do we do?

Search for and study biological control agents for invasive species.

Provide advice and logistical support to researchers and institutions worldwide.

Build partnerships with universities and government agencies.

Publish research findings in scientific journals and conferences.

By the numbers

Our scientific output

FuEDEI over the last decade

Publications by research area

Biological Control (42%)
Biogeography (15%)
Ecology (12%)
Taxonomy (11%)
Genetics (4%)
Other (16%)

New species described — by order

Hymenoptera
25
Diptera
15
Coleoptera
9
Hemiptera
7
Lepidoptera
5
Strepsiptera
1
Thysanoptera
1
Research

What do we research?

We study insects, nematodes, microorganisms and plants from Argentina and the Neotropical region. We specialize in the use of South American native species as biological control agents against invasive weeds and pests worldwide.

Biological control of weeds and pests

  • Studies on invasive weeds
  • Biology and host range of candidate agents
  • Identification of new species associated with weeds or pests
  • Evaluation of agent suitability and establishment
  • Assessment of classical biological control
  • Control of invasive ants, mealybugs, cactus moth and corn rootworm

Management and methodological aspects

  • Development of insect rearing and plant cultivation methodology
  • Ecological modelling and predictions
  • Public awareness and conservation
  • Economic impact of invasive weeds
  • Policy and legislation

Taxonomy and Systematics

  • Description of new species
  • Molecular characterization and phylogeny

Insect Behaviour and Physiology

  • Host-parasitoid / predator interactions
  • Responses to external stimuli
  • Environmental resistance and tolerance
  • Intraguild interactions and predation
  • Insect virology
Impact

Featured projects

Fire ant

Target species

Fire ant

Solenopsis invicta / S. richteri
BC: Pseudacteon spp.

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Tropical soda apple

Target species

Tropical soda apple

Solanum viarum
BC: Gratiana boliviana

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Water hyacinth

Target species

Water hyacinth

Pontederia crassipes
BC: Neochetina spp.

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Additional benefits of biological control

Contributions to biodiversity knowledge

0New species described63 insects, 22 ant viruses, 1 parasitoid nematode.
0Species re­descriptions51 insects, 2 mites.
0Agents developedTo control multiple target species across different countries.
+60Years of researchFounded in 1962, became FuEDEI in 2012.