Author: FuEDEI

21 May

Posted at 23:05h in Investigation, Plants

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Salvinia spp. (Giant salvinia)   Giant salvinia, Salvinia molesta D. Mitch. (Salviniaceae), is an aquatic fern that is invasive in most tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The aquatic weevil Cyrtobagous salviniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an effective natural enemy...

21 May

Posted at 22:55h in Investigation, Plants

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Passiflora foetida (Stinking passionflower)   The stinking passionflower is an invasive weed in several countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Researchers from FuEDEI are working on the identification of natural enemies in its home range, and their potential as biological...

21 May

Posted at 22:50h in Investigation, Plants

Parkinsonia aculeata (Parkinsonia)   Parkinsonia is a thorny leguminous shrub native to the hot and dry regions of North, Central and South America. In Australia, P. aculeata is recognized as one of the 20 worst weeds and considered a weed of national significance due to its impact...

21 May

Posted at 22:46h in Investigation, Plants

Ludwigia grandiflora ssp. hexapetala. (Water Primrose)   The Water Primroses, Ludwigia grandiflora, L. g. ssp. hexapetala and L. peploides are invasive aquatic plants that form extensive monospecific stands. They occupy the coasts of deep water bodies and can completely cover lagoons and gutters, alter water flow and...

21 May

Posted at 22:40h in Investigation, Plants

Campuloclinium macrocephalum (Pompom weed)   Pompom weed is an ornamental perennial herb, native to South and Central America and Mexico, that has become a serious invasive weed in South Africa. Field surveys conducted in Argentina revealed the presence of potential biocontrol agents.   Two insect species and one pathogen...

21 May

Posted at 22:37h in Investigation, Plants

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Prosopis spp. (Mesquite)   Invasive Prosopis species pose a significant threat to biodiversity, pasture production and water resources in South Africa. Aspects of the biology and the host range of the seed-feeding weevil, Coelocephalapion gandolfoi Kissinger (Coleoptera: Brentidae: Apioninae), were...

21 May

Posted at 00:44h in Investigation, Plants

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Trichocereus sp. (Torch cactus)   The torch cactus, Trichocereus sp., native to Argentina, has recently become a problem in South Africa taking up large areas of land leaving them unsuitable for grazing. In order to control this weed, a...

21 May

Posted at 00:40h in Investigation, Plants

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text] 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...

21 May

Posted at 00:35h in Investigation, Plants

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...

21 May

Posted at 00:30h in Investigation, Plants

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...