Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR)

Tectococcus ovatus
(Eriococcidae)

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"Brazilian scale" is a potential biocontrol agent for strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum).  "Brazilian scale" is a potential biocontrol agent for strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum).  Tectococcus ovatus is not known to occur in Hawaii (as of 08 October 2005).  Tectococcus ovatus is native to Brazil(?). 

Featured items

Biocontrol precision is weapon against invaders View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
Strawberry guava and biocontrol issues are reviewed in this second of a two part series from the Kiai Moku column of the Maui News (Lloyd Loope, 10/12/2008).

Controversy flares over proposal to control waiawi [strawberry guava] with scale insect View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
"The proposed release of a scale insect to control strawberry guava, or waiawi (Psidium cattleianum), has sparked an outcry of opposition among some sectors of the public. Yet, although the opposition means a delay in the scheduled release, the scientists most closely involved with the project say they welcome the development as an opportunity to educate the public about what they do and the ways in which their plan can work to the state's benefit."

Native Hawaiian forests vs. strawberry guava (video)  important item 
This video explains why strawberry guava (waiawi) is such a threat to native Hawaiian forests, and why Tectococcus ovatus is part of a solution to this problem.

Fact and fiction about waiawi [strawberry guava] control View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
"Opponents of the planned introduction of a biocontrol agent for strawberry guava have raised several arguments. Here are the top concerns, along with the responses from scientists with the Forest Service, the USDA Agricultural Research Service, and others...."

What's new?

Final Environmental Assessment: Biocontrol of Strawberry Guava by its Natural Control Agent for Preservation of Native Forests in the Hawaiian Islands View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
The Final Environmental Assessment: Biocontrol of Strawberry Guava by its Natural Control Agent for Preservation of Native Forests in the Hawaiian Islands, including the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and copies of testimony submitted in response to the draft document, is now available.

Species description or overview

Tectococcus ovatus Wikipedia entry
References for Tectococcus ovatus, the biocontrol agent for strawberry guava, are in the brief Wikipedia entry (as of 7/2011).

Taxonomy & nomenclature

Tectococcus ovatus information from ITIS
The Integrated Taxonomic Information System ITIS provides authoritative taxonomic information on Tectococcus ovatus, as well as other plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

Biocontrol (potential for use as)

Final Environmental Assessment: Biocontrol of Strawberry Guava by its Natural Control Agent for Preservation of Native Forests in the Hawaiian Islands View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
The Final Environmental Assessment: Biocontrol of Strawberry Guava by its Natural Control Agent for Preservation of Native Forests in the Hawaiian Islands, including the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and copies of testimony submitted in response to the draft document, is now available.

Insect release proposed to control exotic strawberry guava View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
"U.S. Forest Service scientists with the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry have submitted a proposal to release a Brazilian insect to control the spread of strawberry guava, a South American tree that has invaded and degraded native Hawaiían ecosystems since it was introduced in 1825 as a garden plant."

Bugs could slow strawberry guava
"Bugs could slow strawberry guava" discusses the possibility of releasing a biocontrol agent (Tectococcus ovatus) in Hawaii to slow the spread of the invasive strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum). Strawberry guava trees threaten the existence of many native ecosystems in Hawaii.

Biological control of strawberry guava in Hawaii  important item 
Information about strawberry guava, the threat it poses to native forests, and the proposal to manage the invasive tree using biological control are presented by the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

Host specificity of Tectococcus ovatus (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), a potential biological control agent of the invasive strawberry guava, Psidium cattleianum (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), in Florida
"In total, 57 plant species representing 21 families were included in the host range tests.... The results of the host specificity tests suggest that [Tectococcus] ovatus is a suitable candidate for classical biological control of strawberry guava in Florida."

Native Hawaiian forests vs. strawberry guava (video)  important item 
This video explains why strawberry guava (waiawi) is such a threat to native Hawaiian forests, and why Tectococcus ovatus is part of a solution to this problem.

Strawberry guava biocontrol possible
The proposal to release a scale insect as a biocontrol for strawberry guava in Hawaii is discussed in the Raising Islands blog by Jan TenBruggencate (7/12/2008).

Strawberry guava biocontrol possible
The proposal to release a scale insect as a biocontrol for strawberry guava in Hawaii is discussed in the Raising Islands blog by Jan TenBruggencate (7/12/2008).

Hawaii County Resolution 0809 (regarding ban on biocontrol agents for Myrtaceae on the Big Island [Hawaii]) View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
Hawaii County Resolution 0809 requests a ban on the release of biological control agents on the Island of Hawaii, Including insects, fungi, bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens for any tree species related to ohia (Metrosideros polymorpha), including all species of the family Myrtaceae, such as the strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum).

Insect released proposed to control exotic strawberry guava View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
"U.S. Forest Service scientists with the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry have submitted a proposal to release a Brazilian insect to control the spread of strawberry guava, a South American tree that has invaded and degraded native Hawaiian ecosystems since it was introduced in 1825 as a garden plant."

Biocontrol: Protection on a large scale, for the long run
An overview of biocontrol, multimedia gallery, and proposed strawberry guava biocontrol plan are presented by the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

Petition for field release of Tectococcus ovatus (Homoptera: Eriococcidae) for classical biological control of strawberry guava, Psidium cattleianum Sabine (Myrtaceae), in Hawaii (10 May 2005) View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
"Tectococcus ovatus is proposed for release into the environment for biological control of P[sidium] cattleianum in the state of Hawaii. This highly specific insect produces leaf galls on P. cattleianum in its native range in Brazil. It is expected to reduce growth and reproduction of P. cattleianum, thereby limiting spread of the weed and production of fruits available to pest fruit flies...."

Forest pest biological control program in Hawaii
Smith, Clifford W. 2002. Forest pest biological control program in Hawaii. pp. 91-98 in Smith, Clifford W., Julie Denslow, and Stephen Hight (eds). 2002. Proceedings of workshop on biological control of native ecosystems in Hawaii. Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany) Technical Report 129. 122 pages. from http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/duffy/techr/129.pdf accessed 16 March 2008.

Strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum): prospects for biological control
Smith, Clifford W. and Charles Wikler. 2002. Strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum): prospects for biological control. pp. 108-116 in Smith, Clifford W., Julie Denslow, and Stephen Hight (eds). 2002. Proceedings of workshop on biological control of native ecosystems in Hawaii. Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany) Technical Report 129. 122 pages. from http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/duffy/techr/129.pdf accessed 16 March 2008.

Tectococcus ovatus information (biocontrol in Hawaii) from HEAR.org
Information about Tectococcus ovatus as it is relevant to biocontrol (biological control) efforts in Hawaii is provided by the Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR).

Biocontrol precision is weapon against invaders View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
Strawberry guava and biocontrol issues are reviewed in this second of a two part series from the Kiai Moku column of the Maui News (Lloyd Loope, 10/12/2008).

Current researches of Brazilian weeds in Paraná State - Biological control of weeds program, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
A review of the biological control program at Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil, is presented.

Ecology of invasive plant species; their impacts on ecosystems of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands; and their biological control agents
The objectives of the project described here are to (1) increase understanding of invasive plants on native forest ecosystems of Hawaii; (2) develop understanding of biological agents released for invasive weed control; (3) develop biological control agents; (4) increase information on distribution of invasive species; (5) increase information on invasiveness of commonly used plants; (6) increase awareness of the hazards in using invasive plants in landscaping; and (7) increase abilities of agencies to prevent and manage invasive species.

Host specificity of Tectococcus ovatus (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), a potential biological control agent of the invasive strawberry guava, Psidium cattleianum (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), in Florida View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
"In total, 57 plant species representing 21 families were included in the host range tests.... The results of the host specificity tests suggest that T[ectococcus] ovatus is a suitable candidate for classical biological control of strawberry guava in Florida."

Legislation/regulation

Final Environmental Assessment: Biocontrol of Strawberry Guava by its Natural Control Agent for Preservation of Native Forests in the Hawaiian Islands View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
The Final Environmental Assessment: Biocontrol of Strawberry Guava by its Natural Control Agent for Preservation of Native Forests in the Hawaiian Islands, including the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and copies of testimony submitted in response to the draft document, is now available.

Petition for field release of Tectococcus ovatus (Homoptera: Eriococcidae) for classical biological control of strawberry guava, Psidium cattleianum Sabine (Myrtaceae), in Hawaii (10 May 2005) View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
"Tectococcus ovatus is proposed for release into the environment for biological control of P[sidium] cattleianum in the state of Hawaii. This highly specific insect produces leaf galls on P. cattleianum in its native range in Brazil. It is expected to reduce growth and reproduction of P. cattleianum, thereby limiting spread of the weed and production of fruits available to pest fruit flies...."

Videos

Native Hawaiian forests vs. strawberry guava (video)  important item 
This video explains why strawberry guava (waiawi) is such a threat to native Hawaiian forests, and why Tectococcus ovatus is part of a solution to this problem.

Images

Insect released proposed to control exotic strawberry guava View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
"U.S. Forest Service scientists with the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry have submitted a proposal to release a Brazilian insect to control the spread of strawberry guava, a South American tree that has invaded and degraded native Hawaiian ecosystems since it was introduced in 1825 as a garden plant."

In the news

Despite its attractions, strawberry guava still a bully
Strawberry guava is tied to the local culture, but it is destroying the diversity of Hawaii's native forests (Star-Advertiser, 7/1/2010).

Tree plan introduces bugs
Hawaii Department of Agriculture is again seeking approval to release a Brazilian scale insect into Hawaii forests to control the spread of the popular but environmentally destructive strawberry guava tree (Star-Advertiser, 6/23/2010).

Importing safe insects the only hope of saving Maui's native koa forests
Maui botanist Art Medeiros supports the introduction of the scale insect for strawberry guava biological control. His arguments are expressed in this Viewpoints article (Maui News, 11/2/2008).

Biocontrol precision is weapon against invaders View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
Strawberry guava and biocontrol issues are reviewed in this second of a two part series from the Kiai Moku column of the Maui News (Lloyd Loope, 10/12/2008).

Strawberry guava biocontrol possible
The proposal to release a scale insect as a biocontrol for strawberry guava in Hawaii is discussed in the Raising Islands blog by Jan TenBruggencate (7/12/2008).

Strawberry guava biocontrol possible
The proposal to release a scale insect as a biocontrol for strawberry guava in Hawaii is discussed in the Raising Islands blog by Jan TenBruggencate (7/12/2008).

Controversy flares over proposal to control waiawi [strawberry guava] with scale insect View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
"The proposed release of a scale insect to control strawberry guava, or waiawi (Psidium cattleianum), has sparked an outcry of opposition among some sectors of the public. Yet, although the opposition means a delay in the scheduled release, the scientists most closely involved with the project say they welcome the development as an opportunity to educate the public about what they do and the ways in which their plan can work to the state's benefit."

Fact and fiction about waiawi [strawberry guava] control View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
"Opponents of the planned introduction of a biocontrol agent for strawberry guava have raised several arguments. Here are the top concerns, along with the responses from scientists with the Forest Service, the USDA Agricultural Research Service, and others...."

Invasive guava might meet its match
The proposed release of a biocontrol agent for strawberry guava in Hawaii is reported (Honolulu Star Bulletin, 5/23/2008).

Insect release proposed to control exotic strawberry guava View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
"U.S. Forest Service scientists with the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry have submitted a proposal to release a Brazilian insect to control the spread of strawberry guava, a South American tree that has invaded and degraded native Hawaiían ecosystems since it was introduced in 1825 as a garden plant."

Bugs could slow strawberry guava
"Bugs could slow strawberry guava" discusses the possibility of releasing a biocontrol agent (Tectococcus ovatus) in Hawaii to slow the spread of the invasive strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum). Strawberry guava trees threaten the existence of many native ecosystems in Hawaii.

Full-text articles

Proceedings of workshop on biological control of native ecosystems in Hawaii
Smith, Clifford W., Julie Denslow, and Stephen Hight (eds.) . 2002. Proceedings of workshop on biological control of native ecosystems in Hawaii. Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany) Technical Report 129. 122 pages.

Forest pest biological control program in Hawaii
Smith, Clifford W. 2002. Forest pest biological control program in Hawaii. pp. 91-98 in Smith, Clifford W., Julie Denslow, and Stephen Hight (eds). 2002. Proceedings of workshop on biological control of native ecosystems in Hawaii. Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany) Technical Report 129. 122 pages. from http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/duffy/techr/129.pdf accessed 16 March 2008.

Strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum): prospects for biological control
Smith, Clifford W. and Charles Wikler. 2002. Strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum): prospects for biological control. pp. 108-116 in Smith, Clifford W., Julie Denslow, and Stephen Hight (eds). 2002. Proceedings of workshop on biological control of native ecosystems in Hawaii. Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany) Technical Report 129. 122 pages. from http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/duffy/techr/129.pdf accessed 16 March 2008.

Current researches of Brazilian weeds in Paraná State - Biological control of weeds program, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
A review of the biological control program at Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil, is presented.

Host specificity of Tectococcus ovatus (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), a potential biological control agent of the invasive strawberry guava, Psidium cattleianum (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), in Florida View info about Adobe Acrobat PDF format
"In total, 57 plant species representing 21 families were included in the host range tests.... The results of the host specificity tests suggest that T[ectococcus] ovatus is a suitable candidate for classical biological control of strawberry guava in Florida."

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