Tradescantia fluminensis Vell. Family - Commelinaceae Common Names(s) - green or white-flowered wandering Jew, spiderwort, wandering-Jew Synonym(s) - Tradescantia albiflora Kunth

Answer

Score

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

0

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=1, n=-1

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y=-1, n=-1

2.01

Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical”

See Append 2

2

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

2

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

n

0

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

y

1

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range?

y=-2, ?=-1, n=0

y

3.01

Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05

y

2

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

4

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

2

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

n

0

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.10

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

0

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

n

0

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.07

Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1

See left

1

1

7.01

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas)

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

8.02

Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

8.04

Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire

y=1, n=-1

y

1

8.05

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)

y=-1, n=1

n

1

Total score:

17

Notes

Source

1.01

No evidence of domestication that affects the invasiveness of the species.

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1) Native: Brazil; Argentina; Uruguay

(1) http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?36807 [Cited 2009 November 4].

2.02

(1) Native: Brazil; Argentina; Uruguay

(1) http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?36807 [Cited 2009 November 4].

2.03

(1) USDA zones: 10a: to-1.1°C (30 °F), 10b: to 1.7°C (35 °F), 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F). (2) USDA zones: 9-11.

(1) http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/101716/ [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) http://www.floridata.com/ref/T/trad_flu.cfm [Cited 2009 November 4].

2.04

(1) Naturalized in Florida. (2) Native: Brazil; Argentina; Uruguay

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4]. http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?36807 [Cited 2009 November 4].

2.05

(1) Cultivated as an ornamental in Florida. (2) T. fluminensis is widely grown and valued as an easy-care houseplant.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

3.01

(1) Naturalized in s. Europe, temperate Asia, Australia, New Zealand, United States & Macaronesia (2) Naturalized in New Zealand, south-eastern Australia, Portugal, Italy, Russia, Japan and the south-eastern USA.

(1) http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?36807 [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

3.02

(1) Tradescantia fluminensis is a 'symptomatic invader' in the sense that it requires disturbance (i.e., increased light, increased soil nitrogen) for establishment. (2) "This is an extremely invasive species! Turn your back on it and it will eat your greenhouse! But you can't tear it out and throw in the woods or it is liable to cause damaging environmental problems."

(1) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) http://www.floridata.com/ref/T/trad_flu.cfm [Cited 2009 November4].

3.03

(1) An agricultural weed in its native range, particularly Brazil. (2) "T. fluminensis does not appear to be a significant weed of crops (CABI, 2004). It is considered a significant environmental weed for its impacts to native biodiversity."

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

3.04

(1) "Tradescantia fluminensis is an invasive weed of New Zealand, eastern Australia and Florida, where it carpets the ground in canopy-depleted native forest remnants and prevents regeneration." (2) "Tradescantia fluminensis is a persistent invasive weed of natural areas where it carpets the ground and prevents native regeneration. It alters litter decomposition, nutrient cycling and the success ional trajectory of New Zealand lowland podocarp-broadleaf forests and probably native vegetation elsewhere." "Tradescantia fluminensis is a 'symptomatic invader' in the sense that it requires disturbance (i.e., increased light, increased soil nitrogen) for establishment."

(1) Standish, R.J., Robertson, A.W., Williams, P.A., 2001. The impact of an invasive weed Tradescantia fluminensis on native forest regeneration. Journal of Applied Ecology 38, 1253-1263. (2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

3.05

(1) Tradescantia zabrina is a weed in Australia. It is a fast grower that has invaded disturbed areas of bushland, where it forms thick carpets and smothers native vegetation. (2) Tradescantia zabrina is an invasive weed in Australia, the Cook Islands, Galapagos Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaiian Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Tonga.

(1) http://www.nqccs.com.au/library/weeds/zebrina.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4] (1) http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/tradescantia_zebrina.htm [Cited 2009 November 5].

4.01

(1) Tradescantia fluminensis has broadly ovate to oblong-lanceolate leaves arranged alternately on thin (2–3mm diameter) weakly ascending (or pendant) leafy shoots up to 60cm tall that grade into leafless stems with roots at the nodes. Glabrous leaves are 1.5–12 x 1–3.5cm, variable, with acute to acuminate tips, dark green or flushed purple beneath and/ or variegated off-white or cream. High biomass mats comprise interlaced vertical leafy shoots on horizontal leafless stems held to the substrate by abundant fine roots that also form at aerial nodes within the mat.

(1) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

4.02

Unknown

4.03

(1) Not parasitic.

(1) http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=222000415 [Cited 2009 November4]

4.04

(1) Chicken and cattle eat Tradescantia fluminensis.

(1) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

4.05

(1) No evidence of toxicity to animals in PubMed. (2) No evidence of toxicity in TOXNET.

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez [Cited 2009 November 5]. (2) http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search [Cited 2009 November 5].

4.06

[Tradescantia is not the only host in Hawaii] (1) Tradescantia fluminensis is a host for Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. (2) "Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is among the most nonspecific, omnivorous, and successful of plant pathogens. Plants susceptible to this pathogen encompass 64 families, 225 genera, and 361 species (Purdy, 1979). Some hosts are: cabbage, common bean, citrus, celery, coriander, melon, squash, soybean, tomato, lettuce, and cucumber. S. sclerotiorum is geographically cosmopolitan and has a broad ecological distribution, though it is most common in temperate regions. It was originally believed to occur only in cool, moist areas, but is now known to occur in hot, dry areas as well."

(1) Waipara, N.W., 2006. Isolation of white rot, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, causing leaf necrosis on Tradescantia fluminensis in New Zealand. Australasian Plant Disease Notes 1, 27-28. (2) http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/Kbase/Crop/Type/s_scler.htm [Cited 2009 November 4].

4.07

(1) Handling the plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. (2) A woman was seen for rhinoconjunctivitis cause by repotting Tradescantia fluminensis. She experienced itching of the face, swelling of the lips and dyspnea and wheezing.

4.08

(1) "Herbs, decumbent, rooting at nodes. Leaves 2-ranked; blade lanceolate-elliptic to ovate-lanceolate, 2.5--5 ´ 1--2 cm (distal leaf blades wider or narrower than sheaths when sheaths opened, flattened), margins ciliolate, apex acute, glabrous. Inflorescences terminal, becoming leaf-opposed, sometimes axillary from distalmost leaf axil, 1--2 cyme pairs per stem; bracts mostly foliaceous, occasionally reduced. Flowers distinctly pedicillate; pedicels 1--1.5 cm, glandular-pilose; sepals 5--7 mm, midrib pilose with eglandular hairs; petals distinct, white, not clawed, 8--9 mm; stamens free; filaments white, densely bearded with white hair." [no evidence of fuel development].

(1) http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=222000415 [Cited 2009 November4]

4.09

(1) Occurs in parital of full shade of disturbed and undisturbed hammocks. (2) Shade tolerant but frost intolerant.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

4.10

(1) Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 t 7.5 (neutral). (2) Prefers rich organic soil but can survive in sandy soil if watered efficiently.

(1) http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/101716/ [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) http://www.floridata.com/ref/T/trad_flu.cfm [Cited 2009 November 4].

4.11

(1) "T. fluminensis smothers native ground cover and seedlings of overstory species. A dense square meter of cover can potentially support a standing crop of 900 m (2,880 ft) of plant." Forms dense, monocultural ground cover that can be 60 cm (2 ft.) deep in overlapping leafy stems.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4].

4.12

(1) "T. fluminensis smothers native ground cover and seedlings of overstory species. A dense square meter of cover can potentially support a standing crop of 900 m (2,880 ft) of plant." Forms dense, monocultural ground cover that can be 60 cm (2 ft.) deep in overlapping leafy stems. [see 4.11].

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4].

5.01

(1) Terrestrial herb

(1) http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=222000415 [Cited 2009 November4]

5.02

(1) Commelinaceae

(1) http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=222000415 [Cited 2009 November4]

5.03

(1) Herbaceous.

(1) http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=222000415 [Cited 2009 November4]

5.04

(1) "Herbs, decumbent, rooting at nodes. Leaves 2-ranked; blade lanceolate-elliptic to ovate-lanceolate, 2.5--5 ´ 1--2 cm (distal leaf blades wider or narrower than sheaths when sheaths opened, flattened), margins ciliolate, apex acute, glabrous. Inflorescences terminal, becoming leaf-opposed, sometimes axillary from distal most leaf axil, 1--2 cyme pairs per stem; bracts mostly foliaceous, occasionally reduced. Flowers distinctly pedicillate; pedicels 1--1.5 cm, glandular-pilose; sepals 5--7 mm, midrib pilose with eglandular hairs; petals distinct, white, not clawed, 8--9 mm; stamens free; filaments white, densely bearded with white hair."

(1) http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=222000415 [Cited 2009 November4]

6.01

No evidence.

6.02

[Unknown in Hawaii] (1) Seed viability unknown. (2) Tradescantia fluminensis is not known to set seed in New Zealand. (3) Tradescantia fluminensis produces viable seed from bisexual flowers. Reproduction in Australia and New Zealand and probably other areas of naturalization is vegetative.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) Standish, R.J., Robertson, A.W., Williams, P.A., 2002. Experimenting with methods to control Tradescantia fluminensis, an invasive weed of native forest remnants in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 26, 161-170.(3) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

6.03

Unknown [this genus does hybridize] (1) "The occurrence of spontaneous chromosome aberrations has been observed in numberous genera of both plants and animals. In Tradescantia, a number of plants have shown a comparatively high frequency of spontaneous chromosome alterations.(2) "Previous studies of the American species of Tradescantia have shown that interspecific hybridization is comparatively frequent between the eighteen or more species closely related to Tradescantia virginiana. The analysis in this research "further demonstrates that introgression is roughly proportional to the frequency of the introgressive species and that it is greater when plants are growing as weeds than when they occupy more natural habitats."

(1) Giles, N. 1940. Spontaneous chromosome aberrations in Tradescantia. Genetics 25:69-87. (2) Anderson, E., Hubricht, L. 1938. Hybridization in Tradescantia. III. The evidence for introgressive hybridization. American Journal o Botany. 25 (6):396-402.

6.04

(1) "On a purely taxonomic point finally, the position of the Tradescantia fluminensis group in the genus Tradescantia once again is raised (e.g. see Woodson, 1942). Unlike any other group in section Tradescantia all species are self-compatible and, together with data on the unique stigmatic surface (Owens, in press), its distinctiveness from Tradescantia sensu stricto is given further support. It requires at least sectional status and perhaps generic if genera such as Phyodina, chromosomally a very heterogeneous group (Jones, unpublished) can be maintained.

(1) Owens, S.J. 1981. Self-incompatibility in the Commelinaceae. Annals of Botany. 47:567-581.

6.05

(1) "On a purely taxonomic point finally, the position of the Tradescantia fluminensis group in the genus Tradescantia once again is raised (e.g. see Woodson, 1942). Unlike any other group in section Tradescantia all species are self-compatible and, together with data on the unique stigmatic surface (Owens, in press), its distinctiveness from Tradescantia sensu stricto is given further support. It requires at least sectional status and perhaps generic if genera such as Phyodina, chromosomally a very heterogeneous group (Jones, unpublished) can be maintained. [self-compatible] (2) Commelinaceae flowers are chiefly entomophilous or autogamous. The main insect visitors are social and solitary bees and syrphid flies.

(1) Owens, S.J. 1981. Self-incompatibility in the Commelinaceae. Annals of Botany. 47:567-581. (2) Fadden. 1992. Floral attraction and floral hairs in the Commelinaceae. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden. 79:46-52.

6.06

(1) Spreads vegetative; stem fragments with one node can produce a new plant. (2) Vegetative reproduction.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

6.07

(1) Spreads vegetative; stem fragments with one node can produce a new plant. (2) Vegetative reproduction.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

7.01

(1) In New Zealand, T, fluminensis has spread through the dumping of rubbish. (2) Physical transportation of plants segments in soil or fill is a major method of dispersal.

(1) Standish, R.J., Robertson, A.W., Williams, P.A., 2002. Experimenting with methods to control Tradescantia fluminensis, an invasive weed of native forest remnants in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 26, 161-170. (2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

7.02

(1) Cultivated as an ornamental in Florida. (2) T. fluminensis is widely grown and valued as an easy-care houseplant.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

7.03

(1) An agricultural weed in its native range, particularly Brazil. (2) "T. fluminensis does not appear to be a significant weed of crops (CABI, 2004). It is considered a significant environmental weed for its impacts to native biodiversity." Dispersal is by humans, streams, cattle and road machinery.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

7.04

(1) Dispersal is by humans, streams, cattle and road machinery.

(1) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

7.05

(1) In New Zealand, T. fluminensis has spread naturally via streams. (2) Dispersal is by humans, streams, cattle and road machinery.

(1) Standish, R.J., Robertson, A.W., Williams, P.A., 2002. Experimenting with methods to control Tradescantia fluminensis, an invasive weed of native forest remnants in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 26, 161-170. (2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

7.06

(1) Dispersal is by humans, streams, cattle and road machinery.

(1) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

7.07

(1) "Tradescantia fluminensis can disperse via cattle hooves and probably chicken feet" (2) Dispersal is by humans, streams, cattle and road machinery.

(1) http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/DPI/Vro/vrosite.nsf/pages/invasive_wandering_creeper#table {Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

7.08

(1) Tradescantia fluminensis produces viable seed from bisexual flowers. Reproduction in Australia and New Zealand and probably other areas of naturalization is vegetative. [Unlikely, main reproductive strategy is vegetative].

(1) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

8.01

[Unknown in Hawaii] (1) Seed viability unknown. (2) Tradescantia fluminensis is not known to set seed in New Zealand. (3) Tradescantia fluminensis produces viable seed from bisexual flowers. Reproduction in Australia and New Zealand and probably other areas of naturalization is vegetative.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) Standish, R.J., Robertson, A.W., Williams, P.A., 2002. Experimenting with methods to control Tradescantia fluminensis, an invasive weed of native forest remnants in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 26, 161-170.(3) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

8.02

(1) Seed viability unknown. (2) Tradescantia fluminensis is not known to set seed in New Zealand. (3) Tradescantia fluminensis produces viable seed from bisexual flowers. Reproduction in Australia and New Zealand and probably other areas of naturalization is vegetative.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) Standish, R.J., Robertson, A.W., Williams, P.A., 2002. Experimenting with methods to control Tradescantia fluminensis, an invasive weed of native forest remnants in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 26, 161-170.(3) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].

8.03

(1) The results from three glass house experiments and one field trial demonstrate that there are at least three herbicides, in addition to triclopyr that may be useful for the control of Tradescantia fluminensis by killing or severely suppressing the weed. However these herbicides are not better tolerated by native plants than triclopyr. Metasulfuron-methyl, triclopyr, and fluroxypyr killed most or all of the plants. The herbicides were applied at different times of T. fluminensis growth. Optimum use rates and the tolerances of native species still need to be evaluated.

(1) Hurrell, G.A., James, T.K., Lusk, C.S., Trolove, M., 2008. Herbicide selection for wandering Jew (Tradescantia fluminensis) control, In New Zealand Plant Protection. pp. 368-373. New Zealand Plant Protection Society, Hastings; New Zealand.

8.04

(1) "Hand weeding and rolling the weed up like a carpet are considered suitable for removal of small infestations (Porteous, 1993; C. Buddenhagen, pers. comm., 2001), if care is taken to remove every last piece." (2) Spreads vegetative; stem fragments with one node can produce a new plant.

(1) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts=[Cited 2009 November 4]. (2) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Tradescantia%20fluminensis.pdf [Cited 2009 November 4].

8.05

(1) Tradescantia fluminensis "is an invasive plant in New Zealand and the south-eastern United States where it is considered highly invasive by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. The pathobiota of T. fluminensis in Brazil is almost unknown and could include phytopathogenic microorganisms that could be used in classical biological control programs. A survey for specialized, coevolved phytopathogenic microorganisms of T. fluminensis was initiated in 2003. Five fungal species have been collected including three basidiomycetes - a rust fungus (Uredo sp.), Kordyana tradescantiae (Pat.) Racib. and Ceratobasidium sp.; a hyphomycete - Cercospora apii Fresen. and an ascomycete - Mycosphaerella sp. A bacterial disease was also observed and the bacterium identified as Burkholderia andropogonis (Smith, 1911), based on morphological, biochemical and molecular methods. Its pathogenicity to T. fluminensis was confirmed, and a host-range test was performed. Unfortunately, results indicated that the bacterium is not sufficiently host-specific for classical introductions. Observations of the damage caused by fungal pathogens in the field suggest that those with the best potential as biological control agents are Uredo sp., K. tradescantiae and Mycosphaerella sp." (2) A research program is underway for biocontrol in New Zealand.

(1) Pereira, O.L., Barreto, R.W., Waipara, N., 2008. Pathogens from Brazil for classical biocontrol of Tradescantia fluminensis, In Proceedings of the XII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, La Grande Motte, France, 22-27 April, 2007. eds M.H. Julien, R. Sforza, M.C. Bon, H.C. Evans, P.E. Hatcher, H.L. Hinz, B.G. Rector. CAB International, Wallingford; UK. (2) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=497&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 November 4].