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| In a thread on RRD [Rose Rosette Disease (Mary Shelley)], we discussed biological control. We researched and discovered that the mites that transmit Rose Rosette Disease were intentionally released in order to aid in the spread of the disease. I wrote that I consider this horrific, and urged that we control the folks who think this way lest similar "solutions" still be considered viable for other problems.
In the link below, I think the idea is that we in fire ant country are supposed to rejoice at the good news. There's more than just one possible solution to the problem of fire ants. Scientists here in Florida are studying and if I read correctly have already released new alien species to control fire ants - and not just one new alien organism. Help me here, please. Whereas I read and understood the way in which the predators reproduce and how this impacts the fire ants, I missed the discussion on what the food sources of the alien predators are - the possible environmental impact of this and what other potential hosts (e.g., native ant populations) the predators might or do target. Also I don't see any direct statement of studies that ensure these new alien predators are and WILL be benign in our environment. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Flies decapitate ants
Follow-Up Postings:
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| FWIW, they've talked about releasing the phorid flies in my old zone coastal9 for years but I'm unaware of any actual releases. There are plenty of big ranchers that want them as the area is heavily infested with the damnable fire ants. The pastures & lawns are absolutely covered there--in winter you can see the mounds in the fields & the number is unbelievable. That said, yeah, it's kinda cringe worthy when you read about plans to release one alien to combat another. Invasive pests are just a way of life here. If the phorids have been released, I haven't heard any great impact, good or bad. I feel for ya. |
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| I saw a program recently on PBS. Florid flies were released somewhere in north Texas, with cooperation of ranchers, but the drought we had last year killed almost all of them. They found one colony in someone's garden that was kept watered, and it was hoped they would multiply and kill the ants. I haven't heard of any releases here in zone 9. |
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| Well they are far more careful now about what they use. Here they've released a predator that eats ONLY one targeted pest, and it has worked. |
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- Posted by sandandsun 9a FL (My Page) on Sat, Nov 3, 12 at 20:19
| I'm glad to hear it. And I truly hope it is so. Thanks for your blog photos of Tucson, hoov. (And thank you, strawberry for telling us about it). It has been a long time since I visited Tucson. Did you get to the Desert Botanic? My other gawking occurred on Ajo Way. |
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| Here in Southern California, they have used small predatory wasps with good effect on some whitefly outbreaks, and also for the psyllids that infest our ubiquitous eugenias. Jeri |
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