Progress on weed biocontrol projects in Paraná State, : targeting that are invasive in Brazil and elsewhere in the world

J.H. Pedrosa-Macedo1

Summary Biological control projects against weeds in Paraná State, Brazil are currently focused on six species or species groups. Two projects, including native species () and the exotic Tecoma stans (L.) Kunth (Bignoniaceae), involve studies on the ecology and natural enemies of plants that are problematic in Brazil. Native Senecio species are particularly problematic in Brazilian pastures, where losses of livestock, notably cattle, due to toxicity have been estimated to cost US$7.5 million annually in the State of alone. The Central American T. stans, which has become an increasing problem in pastures in Paraná State, is currently the subject of botanical studies and studies on associated insects and fungal pathogens. The remaining four projects represent cooperative research programs with international organisations and involve studies on the ecology and natural enemies of native Brazilian plants that are invasive elsewhere in the world. These species include Schinus terebin- thifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae) and Tibouchina herbacea (), both of which are prob- lematic in Hawaii, Psidium cattleianum Sabine (), which is invasive in Florida (USA), and Solanum mauritianum Scopoli (Solanaceae), which invades the high rainfall regions of South Africa. This paper updates the progress achieved with these six projects.

Keywords: Psidium cattleianum, Schinus terebinthifolius, Senecio spp., Solanum mauritianum, Tecoma stans, Tibouchina herbacea.

Introduction perennial that can form significant stands within 2–3 years. The economic losses due to intoxication The Federal University, Paraná, Brazil (UFPR), has induced by Senecio species are estimated at US$7.5 encouraged studies on agricultural weeds as well as the million (Mendez 1997, Riet-Correa & Medeiros 2000, training of weed specialists in the departments of Forest Karam et al. 2002). Our intention is to augment popu- Sciences, Veterinary Studies and Entomology since lations of the most damaging insects in the hope that 1990. These programs led to the establishment of inter- they will reduce stands significantly. national programs aimed principally at the develop- The “amarelinho” (yellow bells), Tecoma stans, is ment of biocontrol agents against Brazilian species that another priority species. This plant, which has spread have become pests elsewhere. throughout several parts of the world, presents conflicts Several species of Senecio kill cattle in Rio Grande of interest in that it is considered either as a weed, an do Sul State (Riet-Correa et al. 1991). S. brasiliensis is ornamental or a medicinal plant (Kranz & Passini the most problematic species, as it is a significant weed 1997). It is considered an invasive alien plant in the in pastures in the southern states of Brazil. It is a large, Brazilian (Mendonça et al. 1998). International cooperative studies are being

1 Centro de Ciências Florestais – DECIF-SCA – Universidade Federal do conducted against strawberry (Psidium Paraná, Av. Lothário Meissner, 3400, 80.210-170 Curitiba, Paraná, cattleianum – Myrtaceae), Brazilian peppertree Brazil. Laboratório Neotropical de Controle Biológico de Plantas (Schinus terebinthifolius – Anacardiaceae), glory bush .

310 Weed biocontrol in Paraná

(Tibouchina herbacea – Melastomataceae) and first plateau ranges from 650 to 1100 m. The climate is bugweed (Solanum mauritianum – Solanaceae). There hot and humid with temperatures between 15 and 19°C is a wide range of insects that cause damage on , (min. –10°C, max. 35°C), 0–40 frosts per year and growth buds, flower buds, flowers and fruits of these 900–1200 mm annual rainfall. Droughts are extremely plants. Over 18 species are undergoing intensive field rare (Carpanezzi et. al. 1986). Within the region there and laboratory research aimed at elucidating their are several protected forest areas, including Araucaria biology, host specificity and impact. To facilitate field angustifolia (Araucariaceae) cloud forest, as well as and laboratory studies, an arboretum has been devel- extensive secondary forest and submontane fields oped containing a variety of species in the following available for studies. families: Asteraceae, Anacardiaceae, Bignoniaceae, Convolvulaceae, Lauraceae, Melastomataceae, Poaceae, Solanaceae, Myrtaceae and Rutaceae. Biological control research projects Research is carried out in collaboration with various The current research program at Curitiba includes UFPR units. FUPEF (Fundação de Pesquisas Florestais efforts to control Tecoma stans in Paraná State and do Paraná) is a university foundation that administers Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) in southern Brazil most foreign cooperative agreements (currently (Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul). The University of Hawaii, University of Florida, and Plant cooperative program with the University of Florida Protection Institute of South Africa). Besides these (Brazilian peppertree control project) and with the agreements, there are cooperative arrangements with University of Hawaii (strawberry guava and local universities and government agencies, principally Tibouchina biological control projects) are continuing UNICENTRO (Universidade Estadual do Centro- at an advanced phase of agent selection, host range and Oeste, Irati, PR), FURB (Fundação Universidade de impact tests. The cooperative program with the Plant Blumenau, SC), UEL (Universidade Estadual de Lond- Protection Research Institute, South Africa is also rina, PR), and UFPel (Universidade Federal de Pelotas, active, testing the host range of one only agent on six RS). Solanaceae species.

The study region Tecoma stans (Bignoniaceae) – amarelinho – yellow bells Universidade Federal do Paraná has an ideal location in Curitiba due to its proximity to several major habitats, The plant is found throughout much of Brazil, from viz. (tropical, from sea level to 650 m), Amazonia (Manaus) south to Rio Grande do Sul restinga (sea level to 20 m) and Araucaria Forest (Butiá). In the north and northeastern regions of the (subtropical – 650 to 1100 m). All are within 90–100 Paraná state, it occupies over 50,000 ha of pastureland. km of the university. This closeness enables studies of The infestation is centered around Londrina, where insects and diseases associated with the target plants to over 10,000 ha of pasture has been lost to weed infesta- be undertaken throughout the year under natural condi- tions. Yet, in Curitiba and vicinities, it is used as in tions, as well as in the greenhouses and arboreta. The urban forestry from where it has dispersed to aban- conditions at Curitiba were advantageous enough that doned grounds. CSIRO (Australia) maintained a biological control We have initiated phenological studies. A number of laboratory there during the 1970s and 1980s. Coastal insects have been collected, including Lepidoptera (2 restinga vegetation consists of a wide variety of plants spp.), Coleoptera (9 spp.), Homoptera (2 spp.), growing in sandy substrate with a high water table. The Hymenoptera (6 spp.), (5 spp.) and Thysan- forest today is all secondary and of short stature, not optera (1 sp.). Two unidentified Lepidoptera species more than 5 m. There are a few protected areas, but the attack the plant: a -roller (Crambidae) and a fruit region has marginal agricultural potential so distur- borer (Olethreutidae). The other associated insects are bance is minimal. The climate is hot and humid with being collected for future taxonomic and biology year-round average temperature between 18–22°C studies. At Bogotá savanna (), there are 41 (min. 0.9°C, max. 38°C) and annual rainfall between associated insect species: Coleoptera (1 sp.), Diptera (3 1430 and 2450 mm (Maack 1968). Droughts are spp.), Hemiptera (6 spp.), Homoptera (9 spp.), possible in June and July (Carpanezzi et al. 1986). The Hymenoptera (14 spp.), Lepidoptera (3 spp.), Neurop- Atlantic Forest ranges from 50–700 m. It is mostly tera (2 spp.) and Thysanoptera (3 spp.). In addition, secondary forest with some pockets of primary vegeta- there are also three Acari species (Lee et al. 2000). In tion. The climate is humid, tropical, with temperatures (Masaya National Park), the species from 15 to 19°C (min. 5°C, max. 38°C) and annual observed to date include: Lepidoptera (1 sp.), Coleop- rainfall between 1250 and 2500 mm. In Paraná, much tera (3 spp.), Homoptera (2 spp.) and Hymenoptera (3 of this forest is protected. However, some limited spp) (Pedrosa-Macedo, personal notes, 2002). At subsistence agriculture is practised on a small scale in Blumenau, SC (FURB) studies on associated insects some areas (Carpanezzi et al. 1986). The subtropical and fungal diseases are being conducted (Prospodium

311 Proceedings of the XI International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds appendiculatum), while at Londrina (UEL), the studies somewhat incongruous that one form of a currently include botanical and entomological aspects. accepted species is not attacked by an insect, whereas another species is. Senecio (Asteraceae) in Brazil There are about 150 species of Senecio in Brazil, but Solanum mauritianum (Solanaceae) – the biennial S. heterotrichius, S. selloi, S. brasiliensis bugweed (fumo-bravo) and the annual S. oxyphyllus are the most common in This plant was taken to South Africa by Portuguese pastures (Karam et al. 2002). The most abundant poten- navigators in the 16th century (Roe 1972, Olckers tial control agents are: Pericopis sacrifica (Lepidop- 1999). It is a significant weed in reafforestation, agri- tera), Phaedon confinis, Agathomerus subfasciatus and culture and conservation areas, urban space, river Systena s-littera tenus (Coleoptera) (Pedrosa-Macedo margins and road margins. It is listed as a Category I et al. 2000, Karam et al. 2002). All these species are weed in the South African biological control program native to the regions of infestation. Thus, their use in an (Henderson 2001). The weevil Anthonomus morticinus augmentation biological control program is limited Clark (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from south-eastern because their natural enemies are also present. Potential Brazil is being studied on nine congeners: S. capsi- control agents from other areas, including Longitarsus coides, S. diflorum, S. fastigiatum, S. gilo, S. granuloso- jacobaeae Waterhouse and L. flavicornis Stephens leprosum, Solanum melongena, S. palinacantum, S. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), could be used as a “short tuberosum, and S. viarum. Field studies are conducted cut” project, as both are already used as biological at various sites around Curitiba and laboratory and control agents for Senecio jacobaea L. (Asteraceae) controlled environment studies at the Arboretum (tansy ragwort). Further evaluation depends on interna- Juvevê. None of the above Solanum species is attacked tional cooperation. by A. morticinus, except S. mauritianum and S. granu- loso-leprosum. In “no-choice” tests in the laboratory, Psidium cattleianum (Myrtaceae) – however, this weevil can feed on some of these species. strawberry guava Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae) – Strawberry guava is established in at least 31 coun- tries (mostly islands) in the subtropical region (Wikler Brazilian peppertree (aroeira) 1999). In the Hawaiian archipelago it is a significant Brazilian peppertree is an aggressive plant in weed of native forest, where it forms monotypic stands. Florida, USA, especially in the Everglades National Ecosystem disturbance, particularly by non-indigenous Park, and also in the Hawaiian archipelago. It was feral pigs, is the principal mechanism of establishment brought to the USA as an ornamental plant in 1840 and intensification (Diong 1982). Manual control, (Bennet & Habeck 1991) and again in 1891 (Workman though expensive, is feasible, but the ecological and 1978). It is native to southern Brazil, and often archaeological damage is unacceptable. Chemical northern . It has been spread subsequently to control is increasingly difficult as more and more suit- several parts of the world, including American Samoa, able herbicides become banned due to long-term unde- Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Mauritius, Micronesia, sirable ecological effects. Biological control is the last Puerto Rico, and Tahiti. Four potential biological resort. Potential biological control agents have been control agents are being studied: Heteroperreyia discovered in the Atlantic Forest and associated areas in hubrichi (Hymenoptera: Pergidae), Calophya terebin- Brazil. They include, in order of suitability: Tecto- thifolii (Homoptera: Psyllidae), Epsimus utilis (Lepi- coccus ovatus (Homoptera: Eriococcidae); a leaf galler, doptera: Tortricidae) and Pseudophilothrips ichini Dasineura gigantea (Hymenoptera: Cecidomyiidae); a (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae). H. hubrichi was bud galler, Eurytoma psidii; and other gall-formers, approved after host range tests in Florida, but not in either Eurytoma cattleianii or Eurytoma desantisi Hawaii where it also attacks the endemic Rhus hawai- (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae) (Angelo 1997, Vitorino iensis. Its toxicity to wild animals and cattle is being 2001). Neotrioza tavaresi (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), evaluated because there are some suggestive reports another leaf galler, appears to have insufficient impact from Australia. A preliminary test with a calf, where on the plants to be useful (Butignol & Pedrosa-Macedo 100 final-instar larvae were mixed with the food, 2001). None of the above species attack the congeneric resulted in no signs of poisoning after 24 and 72 hours. P. guajava, an important agricultural fruit crop. The droughts associated with the “El Niño” phenom- The of the P. cattleianum group needs enon have resulted in a significant reduction in H. further research. Field tests demonstrated that the hubrichi populations, curtailing the program tempo- yellow-fruited form of Psidium cattleianum and P. rarily. We have not developed a reliable mass-rearing spathulatum are heavily attacked by T. ovatus, whereas technology to date. the red-fruited form of P. cattleianum and P. longipeti- The leaflet galler, C. terebinthifolii, has a disjunct olatum appear to be resistant. Insects are frequently distribution on the First Plateau of Paraná and the extremely capable discriminators between species. It is littoral area. There are different impacts in the two

312 Weed biocontrol in Paraná regions. Both of these results have caused some ment District, University of Florida, Institute of Food concern as to the suitability of this potential agent. and Agricultural Sciences; Plant Protection Research Further studies on its biology, as well as captive rearing Institute of Pietermarizburg, South Africa; Ministério studies, are in progress. do Meio Ambiente (MMA); Conselho Nacional de Epsimus utilis provides a reasonable degree of Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq); specificity to the Brazilian peppertree. Preliminary tests and FUPEF-Fundação de Pesquisas Florestais do with E. utilis larvae on young Brazilian peppertree Paraná-Curitiba, Brazil, for financial and administra- plants resulted in a mean biomass loss of 42% per tion support. Thanks are also due to Clifford W. Smith, leaflet, but the general impact of the larvae on the plant Dale H. Habeck, Stephen Hight, James P. Cuda, Julio was not established; we have not developed a suffi- Medal, Terry Olckers, Matheus Tracy Johnson, ciently robust means of evaluation. Marcelo Diniz Vitorino, Ayeres de Oliveira Menezes Pseudophilothrips ichini attacks Brazilian pepper- Jr., Charles Wikler, Cesar A. Butignol, Germano throughout its range, except in the littoral areas of Henrique Rosado Neto, João Ricardo Dittrich, Lúcia Paraná, where it is rare. “No-choice” tests registered Massutti de Almeida, Anamaria Dal Molin, Cecília attacks on Mangifera indica, Anacardium ocidentale Gonçalves Simões, Dalila Aparecida Harmuch, Deise and Rhus sandwicensis (Anacardiaceae), but in Mari Barboza, Kelly Hacke Ribeiro, Lorena Stolle, “multiple choice” tests these species were not attacked. Luizimir Eduardo Furmann, Marcelo Galeazzi Two types of impact have been established: 11% reduc- Caxambu, Márcia Cristina Mendes Marques, Marcelo tion of plant growth and 45% increase in branching, Mattos de Paula and Zildo Luiz Ramos for their consid- causing excessive branching of the plant. P. ichini tests erable assistance. on the ornamental Schinus molle are being prepared. References Tibouchina herbacea Angelo, A.C. (1997) A galha dos botões do araçazeiro – T. herbacea was introduced into Hawaii as an orna- Psidium cattleianum Sabine (Myrtaceae), e insetos associ- mental plant. It is originally from Brazil, and the main ados.Curso de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas. population occurs at Serra Gaucha, Rio Grande do Sul M.Sc. Dissertation, Universidade Federal do Paraná. state, although it is known from other Brazilian states Bennet, F.D. & Habeck, D.H. (1991) Brazilian Peppertree – such as Santa Catarina and in the (Brazilian Prospects for Biological Control in Florida. Proceedings of savanna) region (Mendonça et al. 1998). It belongs to a the Symposium on Exotic Pest Plants. species complex whose is unclear. Two Butignol, C.A. & Pedrosa-Macedo, J.H. (2001) Ocorrência de closely related species, Tibouchina cerastifolia and parasitóides em Neotrioza tavaresi Crawford (Hemiptera: T. gracilis, are common. Two other related species, Psyllidae), galhador da folha do araçazeiro, Psidium Acisanthera variabilis and Rhyncanthera sp., are also cattleianum (Myrtaceae). Abstract. Siconbiol VII – Simpósio de Controle Biológico. p. 321, Poços de Caldas, MG. frequent. All four species are attacked by at least three Carpanezzi, A.A., Ferreira, C.A., Rotta, E., Namikawa, I.S., different species of as yet unidentified weevils. Among Sturion, J.A., Pereira, J.C.D., Montagner, L.H., Rauen, M.J., 35 insect species associated with ruderal herbaceous Carvalho, P.E.R., Silveira, R.A. & Alves, S.T. (1986) Melastomataceae, six are potential agents: Schrenken- Zoneamento ecológico para plantios florestais no Estado do steinia sp. (Lepidoptera: Schrenkensteinidae), whose Parana, EMBRAPA-CNPF, Documentos 17. presence was verified only in Rio Grande do Sul state, Diong, C.H. (1982) Population biology and management of the though Barreto (pers. comm.) recorded it in Minas feral pig (Sus scrofa) in Kipahulu Valley, Maui. Ph. D. Gerais; Syphrea uberabensis Bechyné (Coleoptera: dissertation. University of Hawaii, Honolulu. Chrysomelidae); Margaridisa sp. (Coleoptera: Chrys- Karam, F.S.C., Méndez, M.C., Jarenkow, J.A. & Riet-Correa, F. omelidae); Lius sp. (Coleoptera: Buprestidae); an (2002) Fenologia de quatro espécies tóxicas de Senecio (Asteraceae) na região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa unidentified Geometridae caterpillar (Lepidoptera); Veterinária Brasileira 22, 33–39. and Anthonomus partiarius Boheman (Coleoptera: Kranz, W.M. & Passini, T. (1997) Amarelinho – Biologia e Curculionidae). The last insect was found on Controle. Informe da Sano & Almeida (1998) Pesquisa. T. herbacea, T. cerastifolia and Acisanthera variabilis, IAPAR, Londrina. XVII (121). feeding on flower buds, flowers, pollen and seeds. Lee, R.A., Cure, J.R. & Pérez, M.M. (2000) Biodiversity and Studies on its biology, ecological behaviour and host relative abundance of insects and spider mites in tree used as range are being conducted. A. partiarius was not found live fences in the Bogotá plateau. Revista Colombiana de on T. gracilis and Rhyncanthera sp. (Pedrosa-Macedo Entomologia 26, 1–15. et al. 2000) Maack, R. (1968) Geografia Física do Estado do Paraná. CODEPAR, Curitiba, Brazil. Olckers, T. (1999) Biological control of Solanum mauritianum Acknowledgements Scopoli (Solanaceae) in South Africa: a review of candidate agents, progress and future prospects. African Entomology Thanks are due to: the Cooperative National Park Memoir 1, 65–73. Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Pedrosa-Macedo, J.H., Wikler, C., Vitorino, M.D. & Smith, Manoa, Honolulu, USA; South Florida Water Manage- C.W. (2000) Current researches of Brazilian weeds in

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