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- Paul Pratt, RL
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- Patrick Moran

Patrick Joseph Moran    Research Entomologist photo of PJ Moran
 Contact: (510) 559-6393 Patrick.moran@ars.usda.gov  Area of Expertise: Research Entomologist
 Education: Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 1998
 **Work Experience:** Research Entomologist, USDA/ARS, Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Albany, CA, 2012 to present Research Entomologist, USDA/ARS, Beneficial Insects Research Unit, Weslaco, TX, 2001-2012 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Insect Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 1998-2001  **Research Focus:** The long term objective of my research is to improve control of invasive, non-native weeds of aquatic, riparian (shoreline), rangeland and forest habitats that threaten natural resources such as water or soil, through the application of biological control strategies. I focus specifically on the discovery, characterization, release and evaluation of insects as new biological control agents of invasive weeds. I also evaluate previously-released insects in biological weed control, and develop ways to improve their effectiveness. Studies are conducted in the context of integrated, adaptive management of invasive weeds using multiple control approaches. Activities conducted in my research group that support this objective include: Characterize the biological life cycle, host range, and efficacy of insects as candidate weed biological control agents in quarantine laboratory and greenhouse facilities.  Determine invasive weed seasonal growth and reproduction at field locations to determine current damage levels, and to guide development of optimally-timed biological control release strategies.  Release and evaluate insects for biological weed control, including development of release strategies, quantification of initial population establishment, and determination of their efficacy in reducing growth, reproduction, and spread of the targeted invasive weed.  Quantify population size of and damage caused by previously-released biological control agents of weeds at field locations.  Assess the impact of successful biological weed control on native plant communities  Determine the effects of herbicides on biological control agents, and evaluate the efficacy of combined control in the field, to integrate biological weed control into an integrated weed management framework in natural ecosystems. To date, these research efforts have resulted in 51 publications, including 40 peer review journal articles, and over 70 presentations since 2001 to scientists and stakeholder groups, 23 invited. **My current research projects include:** Release and evaluation of a new biological control agent, the shoot tip-galling fly *Parafreutreta**regalis*, for biological control of Cape-ivy in California coastal ecosystems.
Release and evaluation of two biological control agents, the shoot tip-galling *wasp Tetramesa romana*, and the rhizome-feeding armored scale *Rhizaspidiotus donacis*, for biological control of arundo in the Central Valley of California.
Release and evaluation of one biological control agent, the leaf-feeding planthopper *Megamelus scutellaris*, for biological control of water hyacinth in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and associated river systems in California.
Assessment of population size and impact of three previously-released biological control agents of yellow-starthistle, and determination of interactions with plant phylogeographic factors.
Determination of interactions and impacts of combined chemical and/or mechanical control and biological control of Cape-ivy and arundo.
Assessment of the distribution and current damage on prioritized new weeds to be targeted with biological control, such as ice plant.
Determination of the life cycle, host range and impact of candidate biological control agents of French broom in quarantine.  ***Info about my research team:** Current lab members include: Dr. Ellyn Bitume, Postdoctoral Research Entomologist: Biological control of arundo. Dr. Scott Portman, Postdoctoral Research Entomologist: Biological control of Cape-ivy. Irene Wibawa, Biological Science Technician Marlee Little and Dylan Valle Rogers, Biological Science Technician
 Publications(Clicking on the reprint iconReprint Icon  will take you to the publication reprint.)Insights to the host range of the flea beetle Disonycha argentinensis Jacoby, 1992 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a candidate biological control agent of alligator weed in the U.S.A.-(Peer Reviewed Journal)Establishment of the wasp Tetramesa romana in northern California for biological control of arundo donax and the role of release plot manipulation-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Bitume, E.V., Rogers, V.D., Pratt, P.D., Goolsby, J., Moran, P.J. 2024. Establishment of the wasp Tetramesa romana in northern California for biological control of arundo donax and the role of release plot manipulation. Biological Control. 192/105489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2024.105489.Agricultural Research Service weed science research: past, present, and future-(Review Article) Young, S.L., Anderson, J.V., Baerson, S.R., Bajsa Hirschel, J.N., Blumenthal, D.M., Boyd, C.S., Boyette, C.D., Brennan, E.B., Cantrell, C.L., Chao, W.S., Chee Sanford, J.C., Clements, D.D., Dray Jr, F.A., Duke, S.O., Porter, K.M., Fletcher, R.S., Fulcher, M.R., Gaskin, J., Grewell, B.J., Hamerlynck, E.P., Hoagland, R.E., Horvath, D.P., Law, E.P., Madsen, J., Martin, D.E., Mattox, C.M., Mirsky, S.B., Molin, W.T., Moran, P.J., Mueller, R.C., Nandula, V.K., Newingham, B.A., Pan, Z., Porensky, L.M., Pratt, P.D., Price, A.J., Rector, B.G., Reddy, K.N., Sheley, R.L., Smith, L., Smith, M., Snyder, K.A., Tancos, M.A., West, N.M., Wheeler, G.S., Williams, M., Wolf, J.E., Wonkka, C.L., Wright, A.A., Xi, J., Ziska, L.H. 2023. Agricultural Research Service weed science research: past, present, and future. Weed Science. 71(4):312-327. https://doi.org/10.1017/wsc.2023.31.Biology of invasive plants 4. Arundo donax L-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Goolsby, J., Moran, P.J., Martinez Jimenez, M., Yang, C., Canavan, K., Paynter, Q., Ota, N., Kriticos, D. 2023. Biology of invasive plants 4. Arundo donax L. Invasive Plant Science and Management. 16(2):81-109. https://doi.org/10.1017/inp.2023.17.Toxicity of herbicides used for control of waterhyacinth in the California Delta towards the planthopper Megamelus scutellaris released for biological control-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Miskella Jr., J.J., Morgan, C.M., Madsen, J.D. 2023. Toxicity of herbicides used for control of waterhyacinth in the California Delta towards the planthopper Megamelus scutellaris released for biological control. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 33(5): 448-466. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2023.2196707.Biological Control of Arundo donax-(Abstract Only)Invasive aquatic vegetation in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Suisun Marsh: The history and science of control efforts and recommendations for the path forward-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Conrad, J.L., Thomas, M., Jetter, K., Madsen, J.D., Pratt, P.D., Moran, P.J., Takekawa, J., Darin, G.S., Kenison, L. 2023. Invasive aquatic vegetation in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Suisun Marsh: The history and science of control efforts and recommendations for the path forward. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science.  20(4). Article 4. https://doi.org/10.15447/sfews.2023v20iss4art4.Biological control of arundo, an invasive grass threatening water resources and national security-(Book / Chapter) Moran, P.J., Goolsby, J. 2022. Biological control of arundo, an invasive grass threatening water resources and national security. In: Van Driesche, R.G., Winston, R.L., Perring, T.M., Lopez, V.M., editors. Contributions of Classical Biocontrol to the U.S. Food Security, Forestry, and Biodiversity. FHAAST-2019-05. Morgantown, WV: USDA Forest Service. p. 373-389. https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/23194.Mass-production of arthropods for biological control of weeds: A global perspective-(Book / Chapter) Moran, P.J., De Clerck-Floate, R., Hill, M.P., Raghu, S., Paynter, Q., Goolsby, J. 2022. Mass-production of arthropods for biological control of weeds: A global perspective. In: Morales-Ramos, J.A., Rojas, M.G., Shopiro-Ilan, D.I., editors. Mass Production of Beneficial Organisms. 2nd edition. London, UK: Academic Press. p. 157-194.Hybridization and range expansion in tamarisk beetles (Diorhabda spp.) introduced to North America for classical biological control-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Stahlke, A.R., Bitume, E., Ozsoy, Z.A., Bean, D.W., Veillet, A., Clark, M., Clark, E., Moran, P.J., Hufbauer, R., Hohenlohe, P.A. 2022. Hybridization and range expansion in tamarisk beetles (Diorhabda spp.) introduced to North America for classical biological control. Evolutionary Applications. 15(1):60-77. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.13325.Biology of an adventive population of the armored scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis, a biological control agent of Arundo donax in California-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Braman, C.A., Lambert, A.M., Ozsoy, Z.A., Hollstein, E., Sheehy, K., McKinnon, T., Moran, P.J., Gaskin, J.F., Goolsby, J., Dudley, T.L. 2021. Biology of an adventive population of the armored scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis, a biological control agent of Arundo donax in California. Insects. 12(7):588. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12070588.Release and establishment of the weevil Mecinus janthiniformis for biological control of Dalmatian toadflax in southern California-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Smith, L., Woods, D.M., Wibawa, M.I., Popescu, V., Moran, P.J., Villegas, B., Pitcairn, M.J., Hon, C. 2021. Release and establishment of the weevil Mecinus janthiniformis for biological control of Dalmatian toadflax in southern California. Biological Control. 161. Article 104633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2021.104633.Host plant water deficit stress impairs reproduction and development of the galling fly (Parafreutreta regalis), a biological control agent of Cape-ivy (Delairea odorata)-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Portman, S.L., Santacruz, K., Moran, P.J. 2021. Host plant water deficit stress impairs reproduction and development of the galling fly (Parafreutreta regalis), a biological control agent of Cape-ivy (Delairea odorata). Biological Control. 156. Article 104555. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2021.104555.Biological control of arundo with the arundo wasp in the Central Valley-(Abstract Only)Invasive aquatic weeds influence abundances of larval mosquitoes and other invertebrates-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Portilla, M.A., Moran, P.J., Lawler, S.P. 2021. Invasive aquatic weeds influence abundances of larval mosquitoes and other invertebrates. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. 59s:33-40.Cape-ivy galling fly established and thriving along the California Coast-(Trade Journal) Portman, S.L., Moran, P.J. 2020. Cape-ivy shoot-galling fly established and thriving along the California Coast. California Invasive Plant Council. 28(2):8,14.Biological control of invasive plants in California’s Delta: Past, present, and future-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Pratt, P.D., Moran, P.J., Pitcairn, M., Reddy, A.M., O'Brien, J. 2021. Biological control of invasive plants in California’s Delta: Past, present, and future. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. 59s:55-66.An overview of the Delta Region Areawide Aquatic Weed Project for improved control of invasive aquatic weeds in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Madsen, J.D., Pratt, P.D., Bubenheim, D.L., Hard, E., Jabusch, T., Carruthers, R.I. 2021. An overview of the Delta Region Areawide Aquatic Weed Project for improved control of invasive aquatic weeds in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. 59s:2-15. https://apms.org/journal/.Modeling nitrogen runoff from Sacramento and San Joaquin river basins to Bay Delta Estuary: Current status and ecological implications-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Wang, R., Chen, H., Bubenheim, D., Moran, P.J., Zhang, M. 2021. Modeling nitrogen runoff from Sacramento and San Joaquin river basins to Bay Delta Estuary: Current status and ecological implications. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. 59s:107-111. https://apms.org/journal/.No evidence of non-target use of native or economic grasses and broadleaf plants by Arundo donax biological control agents-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Goolsby, J., Hathcock, C., Vacek, A., Kariyat, R., Moran, P.J., Martinez-Jiminez, M. 2020. No evidence of non-target use of native or economic grasses and broadleaf plants by Arundo donax biological control agents. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 30(8):795-805. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2020.1767038.Combined effects of drought stress and psyllid herbivory on the invasive weed Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Hogg, B.N., Moran, P.J. 2020. Combined effects of drought stress and psyllid herbivory on the invasive weed Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 168(3):209-220. https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12880.Establishment, hybridization, dispersal, impact, and decline of Diorhabda spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) released for biological control of tamarisk in Texas and New Mexico-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Knutson, A.E., Tracy, J.L., Ritzi, C., Moran, P.J., Royer, T., De Loach, C.J. 2019. Establishment, hybridization, dispersal, impact, and decline of Diorhabda spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) released for biological control of tamarisk in Texas and New Mexico. Environmental Entomology. 48:1297-1316.Field impacts of the arundo scale, Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Homoptera: Diaspididae) on Arundo donax on the Rio Grande-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Goolsby, J., Moran, P.J. 2019. Field impacts of the arundo scale, Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Homoptera: Diaspididae) on Arundo donax on the Rio Grande. Subtropical Agriculture and Environments. 70:11-16.Nitrate runoff contributing from the agriculturally intensive San Joaquin River Watershed to Bay-Delta in California-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Wang, R., Huachin, C., Luo, Y., Moran, P.J., Grieneisen, M.L., Zhang, M. 2019. Nitrate runoff contributing from the agriculturally intensive San Joaquin River Watershed to Bay-Delta in California. Sustainability. 11(10):2845. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11102845.Relative performance and impacts of the psyllid Arytinnis hakani (Hemiptera:psyllidae) on nontarget plants and the target weed Genista monspessulana (Fabales:fabaceae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Hogg, B.N., Moran, P.J., Smith, L. 2019. Relative performance and impacts of the psyllid Arytinnis hakani (Hemiptera:psyllidae) on nontarget plants and the target weed Genista monspessulana (Fabales:fabaceae). Environmental Entomology. 48(3):524-532.Impact in quarantine of the galling weevil Lepidapion argentatum on shoot growth of French broom (Genista monspessulana), an invasive weed in the western U.S-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Bitume, E.V., Moran, P.J., Sforza, R. 2019. Impact in quarantine of the galling weevil Lepidapion argentatum on shoot growth of French broom (Genista monspessulana), an invasive weed in the western U.S. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 29(7):615-625. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2019.1573417.Modeling pesticide fate and transport at watershed scale using the soil & water assessment tool: general applications and mitigation strategies-(Book / Chapter) Wang, R., Chen, H., Luo, Y., Yen, H., Arnold, J.G., Bubenheim, D., Moran, P.J., Zhang, M. 2019. Modeling pesticide fate and transport at watershed scale using the soil & water assessment tool: general applications and mitigation strategies. In: Goh, K.S., Gan, J., Young, D.F., Luo, Y., editors. Pesticides in Surface Water: Monitoring, Modeling, Risk Assessment, and Management. Washington, DC: ACS Publications. p. 391-419. https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2019-1308.ch020.Integration of mechanical topping methods to accelerate biological control of Arundo donax-(Proceedings) Goolsby, J., Racelis, A., Moran, P.J., Kirk, A., Kashefi, J., Smith, L., Bon, M., Lacewell, R., Vacek, A., Martinez-Jimenez, M., Perez De Leon, A.A. 2019. Integration of mechanical topping methods to accelerate biological control of Arundo donax. International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. p. 290.Behavioral response of gravid Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Diptera: Culicidae) to aquatic macrophyte volatiles-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Turnipseed, R.K., Moran, P.J., Allan, S.A. 2018. Behavioral response of gravid Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Diptera: Culicidae) to aquatic macrophyte volatiles. Journal of Vector Ecology. 43(2):252-260. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvec.12309.Densities of the Arundo Wasp, Tetramesa Romana (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) across its native range in Mediterranean Europe and introduced ranges in North America and Africa-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Madeline, M., Goolsby, J., Vacek, A.T., Kirk, A., Moran, P.J., Cortes, E., Cristofaro, M., Bownes, A., Mastoras, A., Kashefi, J. 2018. Densities of the Arundo Wasp, Tetramesa Romana (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) across its native range in Mediterranean Europe and introduced ranges in North America and Africa. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 28(8):772-785.Treatment of cattle with Steinernema riobrave and Heterorhabditis floridensis for control of the Southern Cattle Fever Tick, Rhipicephalus (=Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Goolsby, J., Singh, N.K., Shapiro Ilan, D.I., Miller, R., Moran, P.J., Perez De Leon, A.A. 2018. Treatment of cattle with Steinernema riobrave and Heterorhabditis floridensis for control of the Southern Cattle Fever Tick, Rhipicephalus (=Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae). Southwestern Entomologist. 43:295-302.Tolerance of the eriophyid mite Aceria salsola to UV-A light and implications for biological control of Russian thistle-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Wibawa, M.I., Smith, L. 2017. Tolerance of the eriophyid mite Aceria salsola to UV-A light and implications for biological control of Russian thistle. Experimental and Applied Acarology. 73(3-4):327-338. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-017-0205-z.Invasive aquatic vegetation management in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta: status recommendations-(Literature Review) Ta, J., Anderson, L.W., Christman, M.A., Khanna, S., Kratville, D., Madsen, J.D., Moran, P.J., Viers, J.H. 2017. Invasive aquatic vegetation management in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta: status recommendations. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science. 15(4) Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/828355w6. doi: 10.15447/sfews.2017v15iss4art5.Host range of the European leaf sheath mining midge, Lasioptera donacis Coutin, a biological control of giant reed, Arundo donax-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Goolsby, J., Vacek, A.T., Salinas, C., Racelis, A.E., Moran, P.J. 2017. Host range of the European leaf sheath mining midge, Lasioptera donacis Coutin, a biological control of giant reed, Arundo donax. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 27(6):781-795.Modeling pesticide diuron loading from the San Joaquin watershed into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta using SWAT-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Chen, H., Luo, Y., Potter, C., Moran, P.J., Grieneisen, M.L., Zhang, M. 2017. Modeling pesticide diuron loading from the San Joaquin watershed into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta using SWAT. Water Research. 121:374-385. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.05.032.Spatial and temporal variation of biological control agents associated with Eichhornia crassipes in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, California-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Hopper, J.V., Pratt, P.D., McCue, K.F., Pitcairn, M.J., Moran, P.J., Madsen, J.D. 2017. Spatial and temporal variation of biological control agents associated with Eichhornia crassipes in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, California. Biological Control. 111:13-22. doi:10.1016/j.biocontrol.2017.05.005.Impacts of the psyllid Arytinnis hakani on invasive French broom in relation to plant size and psyllid density-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Hogg, B.N., Moran, P.J., Smith, L. 2017. Impacts of the psyllid Arytinnis hakani on invasive French broom in relation to plant size and psyllid density. Environmental Entomology. 46(3):552-558. doi: 10.1093/ee/nvx074.First biological control agent released against Cape-ivy-(Other) Moran, P.J., Portman, S.L. 2017. First biological control agent released against Cape-ivy. California Invasive Plant Council Newsletter 25(1): 7. http://www.cal-ipc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Dispatch_2017Spring.pdfImpact of the arundo wasp, Tetramesa romana (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) on biomass of the invasive weed, Arundo donax (Poaceae: Arundinoideae) and on revegetation of riparian habitat along the Rio Grande in Texas-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Vacek, A.T., Racelis, A.E., Pratt, P.D., Goolsby, J. 2017. Impact of the arundo wasp, Tetramesa romana (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) on biomass of the invasive weed, Arundo donax (Poaceae: Arundinoideae) and on revegetation of riparian habitat along the Rio Grande in Texas. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 27:96-114.Development rate, consumption, and host fidelity of Neostauropus alternus (Walker, 1855) Lepidoptera: Notodontidae-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Pratt, P.D., Herdocia, K., Valentin, V., Makinson, J., Purcell, M., Mattison, E.D., Rayamajhi, M.B., Moran, P.J., Raghu, S. 2016. Development rate, consumption, and host fidelity of Neostauropus alternus (Walker, 1855) Lepidoptera: Notodontidae. Pan Pacific Entomology. 92(4):200-209. doi:10.3956/2016-92.4.200.Multi-generational impacts of the psyllid Arytinnis hakani (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) on growth and survival of the invasive weed Genista monspessulana-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Hogg, B.N., Moran, P.J., Smith, L. 2016. Multi-generational impacts of the psyllid Arytinnis hakani (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) on growth and survival of the invasive weed Genista monspessulana. Biological Control. 100(1):87-93. doi: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2016.05.015.Post-establishment assessment of host plant specificity of Arytainilla spartiophila (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), an adventive biological control agent of Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Hogg, B.N., Smith, L., Moran, P.J., Daane, K.M. 2016. Post-establishment assessment of host plant specificity of Arytainilla spartiophila (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), an adventive biological control agent of Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 26(7):995-1008. doi: 10.1080/09583157.2016.1178707.Development rate, consumption and host specificity of Carea varipes (Lepidoptera: Nolidae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Pratt, P.D., Herdonica, K., Valentine, V., Makinson, J., Purcell, M., Mattison, E.D., Rayamajhi, M.B., Raghu, S., Moran, P.J. 2016. Development rate, consumption and host specificity of Carea varipes (Lepidoptera: Nolidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 109(4):513-517. doi: 10.1093/aesa/saw021.Impact of invasive aquatic macrophytes on the population and behavioral ecology of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)-(Abstract Only) Turnipseed, R.K., Moran, P.J., Allan, S.A. 2016. Impact of invasive aquatic macrophytes on the population and behavioral ecology of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). Meeting Abstract. 84th Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California annual conference, Sacramento, CA  February 28-March 2, 2016.First establishment of the planthopper Megamelus scutellaris Berg 1883  (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) released for biological control of water hyacinth in California-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Pitcairn, M.J., Villegas, B. 2016. First establishment of the planthopper Megamelus scutellaris Berg 1883 (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) released for biological control of water hyacinth in California. Pan Pacific Entomology. 92(1):32-43. doi: 10.3956/2016-92.1.32.Effect of water deficit on generation time and reproduction of the gall wasp, Tetramesa romana, a biological control agent of giant reed (Arundo donax)-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J. 2015. Effect of water deficit on generation time and reproduction of the gall wasp, Tetramesa romana, a biological control agent of giant reed (Arundo donax). Biocontrol Science and Technology. 25:859-872.Biology and host range of Digitivalva delaireae (Lepidoptera: Glyphipterigidae), a candidate agent for biological control of Cape-ivy (Delairea odorata) in California and Oregon-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Mehelis, C.N., Balciunas, J., Reddy, A.M., Van Der Westhuizen, L., Neser, S., Moran, P.J. 2015. Biology and host range of Digitivalva delaireae (Lepidoptera: Glyphipterigidae), a candidate agent for biological control of Cape-ivy (Delairea odorata) in California and Oregon. Environmental Entomology. 44(2):260-276. doi: 10.1093/ee/nvu030.Impact of the biological control agent, Tetramesa romana (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) on Arundo donax (Poaceae: Arundinoideae) along the Rio Grande River in Texas-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Goolsby, J., Moran, P.J., Racelis, A.E., Summy, K.R., Martinez-Jimenez, M., Lacewell, R.D., Perez De Leon, A.A., Kirk, A.A. 2015. Impact of the biological control agent, Tetramesa romana (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) on Arundo donax (Poaceae: Arundinoideae) along the Rio Grande River in Texas. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 26(1):47-60.Establishment and spread of a single parthenogenic genotype of the Mediterranean arundo wasp, Tetramesa romana in the variable climate of Texas-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Goolsby, J., Gaskin, J.F., Tarin, D.V., Pepper, A., Henne, D.C., Auclair, A., Racelis, A.E., Summy, K.R., Moran, P.J., Thomas, D.B., Yang, C., Jimenez, M., Ciompwelik, M.J., Perez De Leon, A.A., Kirk, A.A. 2014. Establishment and spread of a single parthenogenic genotype of the Mediterranean arundo wasp, Tetramesa romana in the variable climate of Texas. Southwestern Entomologist. 39(4):675-690.Associations between host plant concentrations of selected biochemical nutrients and Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini, infestation-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Showler, A., Moran, P.J. 2014. Associations between host plant concentrations of selected biochemical nutrients and Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini, infestation. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 151(2):135-143.Status of biological control projects on terrestrial invasive alien weeds in California-(Other) Pitcairn, M., Smith, L., Moran, P.J. 2014. Status of biological control projects on terrestrial invasive alien weeds in California. California Invasive Plant Council. 22(1):6-7, 12-13.Effect of nitrogen fertilization on growth of Arundo donax and on rearing of a biological control agent, the shoot gall-forming wasp Tetramesa romana-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Goolsby, J. 2014. Effect of nitrogen fertilization on growth of Arundo donax and on rearing of a biological control agent, the shoot gall-forming wasp Tetramesa romana. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 24:503-517.Prospects for biological control of Cape-ivy with the Cape-ivy fly and the cape-ivy moth-(Abstract Only)Biology and host range of the moth Digitivalva delaireae as one of two candidate agents for biological control of Cape-ivy-(Abstract Only)Mass-production of the arundo wasp and other insects for biological weed control-(Abstract Only)Evaluation of Spanish arundo scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) survival and fecundity on three New World genotypes of Arundo donax (Poaceae: Arundinoideae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Goolsby, J.A., Cortes Mendoza, E., Moran, P.J., Adamczyk Jr., J.J., Marcos Garcia, M., Kirk, A.A. 2013. Evaluation of Spanish Arundo scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) survival and fecundity on three New World genotypes of Arundo donax (Poaceae: Arundinoideae). Biocontrol Science and Technology. 23:499-506.Mass-rearing of the stem-galling wasp Tetramesa romana, a biological control agent of the invasive weed Arundo donax-(Book / Chapter) Moran, P.J., Goolsby, J., Racelis, A.E., Cohen, A.C., Ciomperlik, M.A., Summy, R.K., Sands, D.A., Kirk, A.A. 2013. Mass-rearing of the stem-galling wasp Tetramesa romana, a biological control agent of the invasive weed Arundo donax. In: Morales-Ramos, J.A., Shapiro-Ilan, D., Rojas, G., editors. Mass-Rearing of Beneficial Organisms. San Diego, CA: Elsevier. p. 163-201.Topping of Arundo donax as a pre-treatment to biological control-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Racelis, A.E., Moran, P.J., Goolsby, J. 2013. Topping of Arundo donax as a pre-treatment to biological control. Journal Subtropical Plant Science. 64:54-60.Effects of leaf excision and sample storage methods on spectral reflectance by foliage of Giant Reed, Arundo donax-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Summy, K.R., Lieman, J., Mamachen, A., Gandy, Y.P., Mamachen, A., Goolsby, J., Moran, P.J. 2013. Effects of leaf excision and sample storage methods on spectral reflectance by foliage of Giant Reed, Arundo donax. Subtropical Plant Science. 63:54-64.Distribution of wild taro (Colocasia esculenta) in subtropical Texas, growth of young colonies, and tolerance to simulated herbivory-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Yang, C. 2012. Distribution of wild taro (Colocasia esculenta) in subtropical Texas, growth of young colonies, and tolerance to simulated herbivory. Subtropical Plant Science. 64:18-28.Influence of biological control damage on efficacy of penoxsulam and two other herbicides on waterhyacinth-(Peer Reviewed Journal)Localized autoinoculation and dissemination of Isaria fumosorosea for control of the Asian citrus psyllid in South Texas-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Patt, J.M., Cabanillas, H.E., Adamczyk Jr, J.J., Jackson, M.A., Dunlap, C.A., Hunter, W.B., Avery, P.B. 2011. Localized autoinoculation and dissemination of Isaria fumosorosea for control of the Asian citrus psyllid in South Texas. Subtropical Plant Science. 63:23-35.Effects of leaf excision and sample storage methods on spectral reflectance by foliage of giant reed, Arundo donax-(Peer Reviewed Journal)Establishment of the armored scale, Rhizaspidiotus donacis, a biological control agent of Arundo donax-(Research Notes) Goolsby, J., Kirk, A.A., Moran, P.J., Racelis, A.E., Adamczyk Jr, J.J., Cortes, E.C., Garcia, M.M., Jimenez, M.M., Summy, K.R., Ciomperlik, M.A., Sands, D.P. 2011. Establishment of the armored scale, Rhizaspidiotus donacis, a biological control agent of Arundo donax. Southwestern Entomologist. 36(3):373-374.Impact of the Arundo scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on the weight of Arundo donax (Poaceae: Arundinoideae) rhizomes in Languedoc southern France and Mediterranean Spain-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Cortes, E., Kirk, A., Goolsby, J., Moran, P.J., Racelis, A.E., Marcos-Garcia, M.A. 2011. Impact of the Arundo scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on the weight of Arundo donax (Poaceae: Arundinoideae) rhizomes in Languedoc southern France and Mediterranean Spain. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 21(11):1369-1373.Density-dependent impacts of the arundo scale (Rhizaspidiotus donacis) on the productivity and physiology of giant reed-(Abstract Only) Racelis, A.E., Moran, P.J., Yang, C., Goolsby, J. 2011. Density-dependent impacts of the arundo scale (Rhizaspidiotus donacis) on the productivity and physiology of giant reed. Meeting Abstract. CDROM.Plant level impacts of the arundo scale (Rhizaspidiotus donacis) on growth and eco-physiology of the invasive giant reed-(Abstract Only) Racelis, A.E., Moran, P.J., Yang, C., Goolsby, J. 2011. Plant level impacts of the arundo scale (Rhizaspidiotus donacis) on growth and eco-physiology of the invasive giant reed. Meeting Abstract. CDROM.The effect of the armored scale, Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), on shoot growth of the invasive plant Arundo donax (Poaceae: Arundinoideae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Cortes, E., Goolsby, J., Moran, P.J., Marcos-Garcia, M.A. 2011. The effect of the armored scale, Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), on shoot growth of the invasive plant Arundo donax (Poaceae: Arundinoideae). Biocontrol Science and Technology. 21(5):535-545.Lack of establishment of the Mediterranean tamarisk beetle Diorhabda elongata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on athel (Tamarix aphylla) (Tamaricaceae) in south Texas-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J. 2010. Lack of establishment of the Mediterranean tamarisk beetle Diorhabda elongata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on athel (Tamarix aphylla) (Tamaricaceae) in south Texas. Southwestern Entomologist. 35:129-146.Seasonality and movement of adventive populations of the arundo wasp (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), a biological control agent of giant reed in the Lower Rio Grande Basin in south Texas-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Racelis, A.E., Goolsby, J., Moran, P.J. 2009. Seasonality and movement of adventive populations of the arundo wasp (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), a biological control agent of giant reed in the Lower Rio Grande Basin in south Texas. Southwestern Entomologist. 34(4):347-357.Leaf beetles lasso tamarisk without hurting the relatives in Texas and the Southwest USA-(Trade Journal) Moran, P.J., Deloach Jr, C.J., Knutson, A. E. 2009. Leaf beetles lasso tamarisk without hurting the relatives in Texas and the Southwest USA. Biocontrol News and Information. 30(3):50N-52N.Open field host selection and behavior by tamarisk beetles (Diorhabda spp.)(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in biological control of exotic saltcedars (Tamarix spp.) and risks to non-target athel (T. aphylla) and native Frankenia-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Deloach Jr, C.J., Dudley, T., Sanabria, J. 2009. Open field host selection and behavior by tamarisk beetles (Diorhabda spp.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in biological control of exotic saltcedars (Tamarix spp.) and risks to non-target athel (T. aphylla) and native Frankenia. Biological Control. 50:243-261.Host range of Tetramesa romana Walker (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), a potential biological control of giant reed, Arundo donax L. in North America-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Goolsby, J., Moran, P.J. 2009. Host range of Tetramesa romana Walker (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), a potential biological control of giant reed, Arundo donax L. in North America. Biological Control. 49:160-168.Biology of the galling wasp, Tetramesa romana, a biological control agent of giant reed-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Goolsby, J. 2009. Biology of the galling wasp, Tetramesa romana, a biological control agent of giant reed. Biological Control. 49:169-179.Development and impact of biological control of giant reed, Arundo donax, in the Rio Grande Basin of the U.S. and Mexico-(Abstract Only) Goolsby, J., Moran, P.J., Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Contreras-Arquieta, B., Watts, D., Moore, G., Spencer, D.F., Seaqright, E., Lacewell, R. 2008. Development and impact of biological control of giant reed, Arundo donax, in the Rio Grande Basin of the U.S. and Mexico. Meeting Abstract. CDROM.Dynamics of Free Amino Acid Accumulations in Cotton Leaves Measured on Different Timelines After Irrigation-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Showler, A., Cavazos, J.O., Moran, P.J. 2007. Dynamics of free amino acid accumulations in cotton leaves measured on different timelines after irrigation. Subtropical Plant Science. 59:38-55.Biological Control of Saltcedar (Cedro salado) (Tamarix spp.) in the United States, with Implications for Mexico-(Proceedings) Deloach Jr, C.J., Knutson, A.E., Moran, P.J., Michels, G.J., Thompson, D.C., Carruthers, R.I., Nibling, F., Fain, T.G. Biological Control of Saltcedar (Cedro salado) (Tamarix spp.) in the United States, with Implications for Mexico. 2007. In: Lira-Saldivar, R.H., editor. Bioplaguicidas Y Control Biologico. International Symposium of Sustainable Agriculture, 24-26 October 2007, Saltillo, Coahula, Mexico. p. 142-172.Biological Control of Saltcedar and Giant Reed in the Lower Rio Grande Basin-(Other) Moran, P.J., Deloach Jr, C.J., Goolsby, J., Kirk, A., Everitt, J.H., Yang, C., Spencer, D.F., Pepper, A., Contreras-Arquieta, A., Nibling, F. 2007. Biological Control of Saltcedar and Giant Reed in the Lower Rio Grande Basin. Meeting Abstract. CDROM.Phomopsis amaranthicola and Microsphaeropsis amaranthi symptoms on Amaranthus spp. under South Texas Conditions-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Showler, A.T. 2007. Phomopsis amaranthicola and Microsphaeropsis amaranthi symptoms on Amaranthus spp. under South Texas conditions. Plant Disease. 91(12):1638-1646.Winter Cover Crops and Vinegar for Early-Season Weed Control in Sustainable Cotton.-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Greenberg, S.M. 2008. Winter cover crops and vinegar for early-season weed control in sustainable cotton. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture. 32(3):483-506.Biological Control of Saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) in South Texas with the Saltcedar Leaf Beetle, Diorhabda elongata, and Effects on Athel (T.aphylla).-(Abstract Only)Use of Fungal Bioherbicides and Vinegar to Control Pigweeds in South Texas.-(Abstract Only) Moran, P.J. 2007. Use of Fungal Bioherbicides and Vinegar to Control Pigweeds in South Texas. Weed Science Society of America Meeting Abstracts.  (Abstract)Winter cover crops and vinegar as weed control techniques in sustainable cotton production.-(Proceedings) Moran, P.J., Greenberg, S.M. 2006. Winter cover crops and vinegar as weed control techniques in sustainable cotton production. In: Proceedings of the Beltwide Cotton Conferences, January 3-6, 2006, San Antonio, Texas. 2006 CDROM. p. 2188-2195.WATER NUTRIENTS, PLANT NUTRIENTS, AND INDICATORS OF BIOLOGICAL CONTROL ON WATERHYACINTH AT TEXAS FIELD SITES-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J. 2006. Water nutrients, plant nutrients, and indicators of biological control on waterhyacinth at Texas field sites. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. 44:109-115.RESEARCH AND INITIAL SUCCESS ON BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF SALTCEDAR IN THE UNITED STATES, WITH EMPHASIS ON TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO-(Proceedings)WATER NUTRIENTS, PLANT NUTRIENTS, AND INDICATORS OF BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN WATERHYACINTH AT TEXAS FIELD SITES.-(Abstract Only) Moran, P.J. 2005. Water nutrients, plant nutrients, and indicators of biological control in waterhyacinth at Texas field sites. Aquatic Plant Management Society Meeting. p. 39.POTENTIAL FOR INSECT VECTORING OF A PLANT PATHOGENIC FUNGUS TO IMPROVE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF WATERHYACINTH-(Abstract Only) Moran, P.J. 2005. Potential for insect vectoring of a plant pathogenic fungus to improve biological control of waterhyacinth. Aquatic Plant Management Society Meeting Program. p.57.PLANT RESPONSES TO WATER DEFICIT AND SHADE STRESSES IN PIGWEED AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON FEEDING AND OVIPOSITION BY THE BEET ARMYWORM (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE)-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Showler, A.T. 2005. PLANT RESPONSES TO WATER DEFICIT AND SHADE STRESSES IN PIGWEED AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON FEEDING AND OVIPOSITION BY THE BEET ARMYWORM (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE). Environmental Entomology. 34(4):929-937.LEAF SCARRING BY WATERHYACINTH WEEVILS (NEOCHETINA EICHHORNIAE AND N.BRUCHI) ENHANCES INFECTION BY THE FUNGUS CERCOSPORA PIAROPI ON WATERHYACINTH, EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES.-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J. 2005. Leaf scarring by waterhyacinth weevils (Neochetina eichhorniae and N.bruchi) enhances infection by the fungus Cercospora piaropi on waterhyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes. Biocontrol. 50(3):511-524.FEEDING BY WATERHYACINTH WEEVILS (NEOCHETINA SPP.) (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE)IN RELATION TO SITE CHARACTERISTICS, PLANT SIZE AND BIOCHEMICAL FACTORS-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J. 2004. Feeding by waterhyacinth weevils (Neochetina spp.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in relation to site characteristics, plant size and biochemical factors. Environmental Entomology. 33:346-355.OPPORTUNISTIC AND PLANT-MEDIATED INTERACTIONS BETWEEN NEOCHETINA SPP WEEVILS AND THE FUNGAL PATHOGEN CERCOSPORA PIAROPI FUNGI ON WATERHYACINTH (EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES).-(Proceedings) Moran, P.J. 2004. Opportunistic and plant-mediated interactions between neochetina spp weevils and the fungal pathogen cercospora piaropi fungi on waterhyacinth (eichhornia crassipes). International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds.  (Proceedings)ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITATION ON BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF WATERHYACINTH-(Abstract Only) Moran, P.J. 2003. Environmental limitation on biological control of waterhyacinth. Invasive plants in natural and managed systems linking science and management in conjuction with 7th International Conference.  (Abstract)EFFECTS OF DROUGHT STRESSED COTTON, GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L., ON BEET ARMYWORM, SPODOPTERA EXIGUA (HUBNER), OVIPOSITION, AND LARVAL FEEDING PREFERENCES AND GROWTH-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Showler, A., Moran, P.J. 2003. Effects of drought stressed cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., on beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), oviposition, and larval feeding preferences and growth. Journal of Chemical Ecology. 29(9):1997-2011.GENE EXPRESSION PROFILING OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA IN COMPATIBLE PLANT-APHID INTERACTIONS-(Peer Reviewed Journal) Moran, P.J., Cheng, Y., Cassell, J.L., Thompson, G.A. 2003. Gene expression profiling of Arabidopsis thaliana in compatible plant-aphid interactions. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. 51:182-203.
 ProjectsIntegrated Weed Management and Restoration Strategies to Protect Water Resources and Aquatic and Wetland Ecosystems of the Far Western U.S.In-House Appropriated (D)Accession Number:439510Biological Control of Invasive Pests in Agroecosystems and Wetland, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystems in the Far Western U.S.In-House Appropriated (D)Accession Number:440251Development of Cheatgrass Biological Control with Microbes and Integrated Cape-ivy Control to Reduce Populations of Non-native, Invasive WeedsInteragency Reimbursable Agreement (I)Accession Number:442706Discovery, Identification, Collection and Shipment of Biological Control Agents of Slenderleaf Ice Plant in South AfricaNon-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)Accession Number:444678Determination of the Origin of Invasive Common Ice Plants and Identification of Biological Control Agents in the Mediterranean BasinNon-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)Accession Number:437106


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