Presently, I am studying the environmental factors that limit the biotic potential of aquatic weed biological control agents. Moreover, I study the ability of these insects, through behavioral and physiological mechanisms, to decrease the negative effect of these adverse environmental factors. This information is useful in the selection of release sites following the official clearance of agents from quarantine. Moreover, it improves our understanding of the limitations of the biological control agents, maximizes our ability to mass rear insects, and provides information useful in the selection of future agents.
Research projects conducted during the past three years or in progress include the following list.
Seasonal Population dynamics and distribution of Hydrellia pakistanae in Florida. The influence of Pistia plant quality on the performance and egg production of the biological control agent Spodoptera pectinicornis . Samea multiplicalis growth and development fed Pistia grown at two fertilizer levels. The parasitoids of the native herbivore Samea multiplicalis feeding on Pistia stratiotes and their impact on the biological control agent Spodoptera pectinicornis . The influence of Melaleuca leaf quality on the performance of the biological control agent Oxyops vitiosa .