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Eriophyid mite Floracarus perrepae readily colonizes recovering invasive vine Lygodium microphyllum following herbicide treatment

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Abstract

Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br. (Schizaeales: Lygodiaceae) is among the most damaging invasive plant species in Florida, USA. Following mechanical and herbicide treatment, the plant typically recovers to pre-treatment levels within 1–2 years through regrowth from the adult rhizome and recruitment of new sporelings. A classical biocontrol agent, the gall-inducing mite Floracarus perrepae Knihinicki & Boczek (Acariformes: Eriophyidae), could attack recovering L. microphyllum, thereby reducing the need for repeated treatments. Here, we investigated natural F. perrepae colonization of recovering L. microphyllum following treatment using two field experiments. First, we monitored F. perrepae colonization on adult regrowth and sporelings on tree islands that were clipped and treated with herbicide (glyphosate or triclopyr). At 24 months post-treatment, mite galls were most abundant on glyphosate treated islands where > 50% of adult rachises and > 80% of sporelings exhibited galls and were rare on untreated islands. Second, we investigated the separate effects of clipping and herbicide (triclopyr) treatment on F. perrepae colonization of regrowth within small-scale plots at four heavily invaded sites. Galls were most prevalent following cutting and least prevalent following herbicide seven months post-treatment, but, on a per pinna (i.e., leaflet) basis, were equivalent across treatments. Taken together, we report that both L. microphyllum regrowth and especially sporelings were highly susceptible to colonization by F. perrepae. Our findings suggest that biological control of L. microphyllum is compatible with herbicide treatment, and future research is needed to determine how best to integrate these management tactics.

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Acknowledgements

We thank M. Yustin, A. Siebel, L. Rodgers, R. Gibble, and E. Allen for assistance accessing sites, and the US Fish and Wildlife for logistical support. This work was supported by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the South Florida Water Management District and US Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the USDA. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314, USA

    Aaron S. David, Andrea Carmona Cortes, Anwar A. Abdel-Kader & Ellen C. Lake

  2. Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32653, USA

    Jonathan S. Glueckert & Stephen F. Enloe

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  1. Aaron S. David
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  2. Jonathan S. Glueckert
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  3. Stephen F. Enloe
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  4. Andrea Carmona Cortes
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  5. Anwar A. Abdel-Kader
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  6. Ellen C. Lake
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Correspondence to Aaron S. David.

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David, A.S., Glueckert, J.S., Enloe, S.F. et al. Eriophyid mite Floracarus perrepae readily colonizes recovering invasive vine Lygodium microphyllum following herbicide treatment. BioControl 66, 573–584 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-021-10087-6

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