Search Results - William A. Overholt

In 1986, USDA/ARS scientists at the Invasive Plant Research Laboratory in Fort Lauderdale started a classical biological control program against melaleuca. The scientists recently released two insects as part of that program; the melaleuca weevil (Oxyops vitiosa (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)) and the...

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Air potato was introduced to Florida in 1905. By the 1980s, its vines were growing in thickets, waste areas, and hedges or fencerows in many parts of south and central Florida. By 1999, it was recognized as transforming plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structure and...

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Although it is commonly referred to as the pepper fruit fly or tomato fruit fly, Atherigona orientalis is not a true fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, but rather a member of the Muscidae, the same family to which the common house fly belongs. It is found in most tropical and subtropical areas of...

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Air potato was introduced to Florida in 1905. By the 1980s, its vines were growing in thickets, waste areas, and hedges or fencerows in many parts of south and central Florida. By 1999, it was recognized as transforming plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structure and...

Full description

In 1986, USDA/ARS scientists at the Invasive Plant Research Laboratory in Fort Lauderdale started a classical biological control program against melaleuca. The scientists recently released two insects as part of that program; the melaleuca weevil (Oxyops vitiosa (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)) and the...

Full description

Although it is commonly referred to as the pepper fruit fly or tomato fruit fly, Atherigona orientalis is not a true fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, but rather a member of the Muscidae, the same family to which the common house fly belongs. It is found in most tropical and subtropical areas of...

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This leaf feeding beetle was recently introduced into Florida from China for biological control of air potato. This 4-page fact sheet provides information on the distribution, appearance, life cycle, host range and importance of the beetle. Written by Rodrigo Diaz, William A. Overholt, and Ken Hibba...

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This leaf feeding beetle was recently introduced into Florida from China for biological control of air potato. This 4-page fact sheet provides information on the distribution, appearance, life cycle, host range and importance of the beetle. Written by Rodrigo Diaz, William A. Overholt, and Ken Hibba...

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The scarlet-bodied wasp moth, Cosmosoma myrodora (Dyar), is a beautiful native insect. Because of its striking adult coloration, including a bright red thorax and abdomen, and transparent wings patterned with black, this moth immediately stands out in Florida landscapes. Larval feeding is restricted...

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The scarlet-bodied wasp moth, Cosmosoma myrodora (Dyar), is a beautiful native insect. Because of its striking adult coloration, including a bright red thorax and abdomen, and transparent wings patterned with black, this moth immediately stands out in Florida landscapes. Larval feeding is restricted...

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Exotic plant species in Florida wetlands spread rapidly due to floods, large waterway systems, and extensive traffic of commercial and recreational boats. Fertilizer and sediment runoff from agricultural lands and waste water from beef and dairy operations may contribute to successful establishment...

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Exotic plant species in Florida wetlands spread rapidly due to floods, large waterway systems, and extensive traffic of commercial and recreational boats. Fertilizer and sediment runoff from agricultural lands and waste water from beef and dairy operations may contribute to successful establishment...

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SS-AGR-312, a 7-page illustrated fact sheet by L. T. Markle, W. A. Overholt, and K. A. Langeland, provides a guide to differentiate the invasive Solanum species, information about the ecology and management of each species, and information on Solanum capsicoides All., which can easily be confused w...

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Paragrass (also referred to as Californiagrass) is thought to have been introduced into Florida sometime in the late 1870s as a forage plant. The semiaquatic grass is a native of tropical Africa, and today it is established in both hemispheres in tropical and subtropical regions as a highly palatabl...

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Paragrass (also referred to as Californiagrass) is thought to have been introduced into Florida sometime in the late 1870s as a forage plant. The semiaquatic grass is a native of tropical Africa, and today it is established in both hemispheres in tropical and subtropical regions as a highly palatabl...

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SS-AGR-312, a 7-page illustrated fact sheet by L. T. Markle, W. A. Overholt, and K. A. Langeland, provides a guide to differentiate the invasive Solanum species, information about the ecology and management of each species, and information on Solanum capsicoides All., which can easily be confused w...

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An invasive weed is a nonnative plant that exhibits rapid population growth following its arrival in a new environment where it did not evolve. The success of the weed in its new habitat is due in part to the absence of the natural enemies that normally limit its reproduction and spread in its nati...

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Phragmites are a tall, perennial, wetland grasses, occurring in both fresh and brackish waters. This 3-page fact sheet discusses the three genetic lineages: native, Gulf Coast, and Eurasian; and the threat posed to Florida ecosystems by an invasion of the exotic Eurasian type. Written by W. A. Overh...

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For years, people have come to south Florida to escape the cold weather and enjoy the subtropical climate. With this migration, horticulturists and amateur plant enthusiasts have introduced many species of exotic plants from the tropics, attempting to create their own tropical oases. While most of...

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For years, people have come to south Florida to escape the cold weather and enjoy the subtropical climate. With this migration, horticulturists and amateur plant enthusiasts have introduced many species of exotic plants from the tropics, attempting to create their own tropical oases. While most of...

Full description