Landscape Architect Articles

BMP Moths Manage Invasive Vines08-19-09 | News

BMP Moths Manage Invasive Vines

More than 100 tiny moths from Australia were released in Florida to begin a biological control effort against an invasive weed, Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum), that has spread over more than 100,000 acres in the state.

Scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Florida officials released moths at the Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound, Fla. The moth, Austromusotima camptonozale, is the first biological control agent approved for release against the invasive weed Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum.

This aggressive vine has spread across south and central Florida, scaling the stems or trunks of other plants to form thick vegetative blankets. On the ground, it creates tough, spongy mats that smother grasses, low-growing shrubs and small trees. ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Climbing fern is native to the Old World tropics including Australia, Africa, tropical Asia and the Pacific Islands but doesn?EUR??,,????'?????<

The moth, recently released, measures just half an inch from wingtip to wingtip and is bright-white, with spots and stripes on its wings. The larvae of the moth feed on climbing fern?EUR??,,????'?????<

The Indooroopilly scientists shipped a supply of moths to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service?EUR??,,????'?????<

Herbicides have been the major weapon against climbing fern, but the weed thrives in remote wetland areas that are difficult and expensive to treat. A. camptonozale and other biocontrol organisms may provide an effective and more environmentally friendly alternative to the use of herbicides in wetlands.