United States Department of Field Release of the Insects Agriculture Calophya latiforceps Marketing and Regulatory (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) and Programs Pseudophilothrips ichini Animal and Plant Health Inspection (Thysanoptera: Service Phlaeothripidae) for Classical Biological Control of Brazilian Peppertree in the Contiguous United States Environmental Assessment, May 2019 Field Release of the Insects Calophya latiforceps (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) and Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) for Classical Biological Control of Brazilian Peppertree in the Contiguous United States Environmental Assessment, May 2019 Agency Contact: Colin D. Stewart, Assistant Director Pests, Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits Plant Protection and Quarantine Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture 4700 River Rd., Unit 133 Riverdale, MD 20737 Non-Discrimination Policy The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) 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All uses of pesticides must be registered by appropriate State and/or Federal agencies before they can be recommended. CAUTION: Pesticides can be injurious to humans, domestic animals, desirable plants, and fish and other wildlife—if they are not handled or applied properly. Use all pesticides selectively and carefully. Follow recommended label practices for the use and disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Contents I. Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action .................................................................................................... 1 II. Alternatives ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 A. No Action ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3 B. Issue Permits for Environmental Release of C. latiforceps .......................................................................................... 5 C. Issue Permits for Environmental Release of P. ichini ................................................................................................... 9 D. Issue Permits for Environmental Release of Both C. latiforceps and P. ichini (Preferred Alternative) ..................... 12 III. Affected Environment .................................................................................................................................. 12 A. Taxonomy of Brazilian Peppertree ............................................................................................................................. 12 B. Areas Affected by Brazilian Peppertree ..................................................................................................................... 13 C. Plants Related to Brazilian Peppertree and Their Distribution ................................................................................... 14 IV. Environmental Consequences .................................................................................................................... 16 A. No Action ................................................................................................................................................................... 16 B. Issue Permits for Environmental Release of C. latiforceps ........................................................................................ 19 C. Issue Permits for Environmental Release of P. ichini ................................................................................................. 25 D. Issue Permits for Environmental Release of Both C. latiforceps and P. ichini .......................................................... 31 V. Other Issues ................................................................................................................................................. 31 VI. Agencies, Organizations, and Individuals Consulted ................................................................................... 32 VII. References ................................................................................................................................................. 34 Appendix 1. ...................................................................................................................................................................... 49 Appendix 2. ...................................................................................................................................................................... 59 Appendix 3. ...................................................................................................................................................................... 60 Appendix 4. ...................................................................................................................................................................... 63 Appendix 5. ...................................................................................................................................................................... 69 Appendix 6. ...................................................................................................................................................................... 74 Appendix 7. ...................................................................................................................................................................... 76 I. Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Pests, Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits (PPBP) is proposing to issue permits for environmental release of two insects, Calophya latiforceps (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) and Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae). These agents would be used for the biological control of Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia (Anacardiaceae), in the contiguous United States. This environmental assessment1 (EA) has been prepared, consistent with USDA, APHIS' National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) implementing procedures (Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 372). It examines the potential effects on the quality of the human environment that may be associated with the release of C. latiforceps and P. ichini to control infestations of Brazilian pepperweed within the contiguous United States. This EA considers the potential effects of the proposed action and its alternatives, including no action. Notice of this EA was made available in the Federal Register on February 27, 2019 for a 30-day public comment period. APHIS received a total of 129 comments on the EA by the close of the comment period. Most comments (120) were in favor of the release of the biological control agents. Nine comments were either not in favor of or raised concerns regarding the release of the two agents. These comments are addressed in appendix 7 of this document. Classical biological control