Mortality of the crapemyrtle bark scale (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) by commercial biopesticides under greenhouse and field conditions

Matos Franco, G., Chen, Y, Doyle V. P., Rehner, S. A. and R. Diaz. Biological Control 175: 105161

An invasive population of Roseau Cane Scale in the Mississippi River Delta, USA originated from northeastern China

Schneider, S. A., Broadley, H. J., Andersen, J. C., Elkinton, J. S., Hwang, S., Liu, C., Noriyuki, S., Park, J., and Dao, H. T. , Lewis, M. L., Gould, J. R., Hoelmer, K. A., and R. Diaz. 2022. Biol Invasions (2022) 24:2735–2755
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-022-02809-3

Impact of the fungal pathogen, SPFG, on the Salvinia molesta Mitchell biological control agent, Cyrtobagous salviniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Grodowitz, M. J., Elliot, B., Diaz, R., Boyette, D., Weaver, M., and Stetina, K. 2022. J. Aquat. Plant Manage. 60: 48–52

Optimising Berlese funnel extraction for population estimates of adult Cyrtobagous salviniae from Salvinia molesta

Wahl, C., Kaller, M. and R. Diaz. 2022 Biological Control Science and Technology. 32: 1232-1247. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2022.2108760

Will the application of biocontrol fungi disrupt predation of Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae by coccinellids?

Matos Franco, G., Chen, Y, Doyle V. P., Rehner, S. A. and R. Diaz. 2022. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 193: 107789.

A New Detection of the Invasive Mexican Rice Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) From Georgia in the United States Based on Morphological and Molecular Data

Kang, I, Wilson, B, Carter, B, and R. Diaz. 2022. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 13:1-5. https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmac014

Phytopythium chamaehyphon causing corm and root rot of uncultivated taro (Colocasia esculenta)

Galo, D., Escalante, C., Diaz, R., Hartgerink, J. E. and R. A. A. Valverde. 2022. Eur J Plant Pathol. 163:991–995 https://
doi.org/10.1007/s10658-022-02512-y

Revision of the genus Schoenlandella (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Cardiochilinae) in the New World, with a potential biological control agent for a lepidopteran pest of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Kang, I, Sharkey, M. J., and R. Diaz. 2021. Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 86:46-61. doi: 10.3897/jhr.86.72690

Adult cold tolerance and potential North American distribution of Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Neal, A., Diaz, R., Qureshi, J. and Cave R. D. 2021. Biological Invasions. In Press: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-021-02601-9

Climate Mismatch Between Introduced Biological Control Agents and Their Invasive Host Plants: Improving Biological Control of Tropical Weeds in Temperate Regions

Harms, N., Knight, I., Pratt, P., Diaz, R. 2021. Insects. In Press: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/12/6/549

Nutrients enhance the negative impact of an invasive floating plant on water quality and a submerged macrophyte

Wahl, C.F., Diaz, R., and Kaller, M. 2021. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. In Press.

Adult cold tolerance and potential North American distribution of Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Neal, A., Diaz, R., Qureshi, J. and Cave R. D. 2021. Biological Invasions. In Press: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-021-02601-9

Climate Mismatch Between Introduced Biological Control Agents and Their Invasive Host Plants: Improving Biological Control of Tropical Weeds in Temperate Regions

Harms, N., Knight, I., Pratt, P., Diaz, R. 2021. Insects. In Press: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/12/6/549

Nutrients enhance the negative impact of an invasive floating plant on water quality and a submerged macrophyte

Wahl, C.F., Diaz, R., and Kaller, M. 2021. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. In Press.

Invasive floating fern limits aerial colonization and alters community structure of aquatic insects

Wahl, C.F., Diaz, R., and Kaller, M. Wetlands. In Press: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13157-021-01457-y

Invasion of floating fern alters freshwater macroinvertebrate community structure with implications for bottom-up processes

Wahl, C.F., Kaller, M, and Diaz R. 2021. Hydrobiologia. In Press: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10750-021-04571-4

First report of dasheen mosaic virus infecting taro (Colocasia esculenta) in Louisiana

Escalante, C., Galo, D., Diaz, R. and Valverde, R. 2021. Plant Disease. In Press: https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-04-21-0854-PDN

Multiple Potential Stressors and Dieback of Phragmites australis in the Mississippi River Delta, USA: Implications for Restoration

Cronin, J. Johnson, J., and R. Diaz. 2020. Wetlands. DOI: 10.1007/s13157-020-01356-8

A review of the causes and consequences of geographical variability in weed biological control successes

Harms, N., J. Cronin, Diaz, R. and R. Winston. 2020. Biological Control. DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2020.104398

Investigating Plant Phenotype, Salinity, and Infestation by the Roseau Cane Scale as Factors in the Die-Back of Phragmites australis in the Mississippi River Delta, USA

Knight, I., J. Cronin, M. Gill, J. A. Nyman, B. Wilson, and R. Diaz. 2020. Wetlands. DOI: 10.1007/s13157-020-01307-3

Assessing Salvinia molesta impacts on environmental conditions in an urban lake: Case study of Lago Las Curias, Puerto Rico

Wahl,C., Diaz, R. and J. Ortiz. 2020. Aquatic Invasions In Press.

Winter and spring conditions determine the production of the salvinia weevil mass rearing programme

Wahl, C. and R. Diaz. 2020. Biocontrol Science and Technology 30: 569-580

Insect Herbivores Associated with Nymphaea mexicana (Nymphaeaceae) in Southern United States: Potential Biological Control Agents for South Africa

Reid, M., Coetzee, J. A., Hill M. P., Diaz, R., Gettys, L. A., Cuda, J. P. and C. S. Reid. 2020. Florida Entomologist 103: 54-63.

Too hot to move: temperatures during transportation might reduce the survival of salvinia weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Cozad, L. A., Diaz, R. and C. R. Mudge. 2019. Florida Entomologist 102:701-707.

Integrated management of giant salvinia using herbicides and the salvinia weevil

Cozad, L. A., Mudge, C., and R. Diaz. 2019. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 57: 62-68

Observation of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkia) feeding upon giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta)

Wahl, C.* and R. Diaz. 2019. Southeastern Naturalist 18: N41-N44.

Thermal tolerance and prediction of northern distribution of the crapemyrtle bark scale (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae)

Wang, Z., Chen, Y. and R. Diaz. 2019. Environmental Entomology 48: 641-648.

Phenotypic plasticity in the cold tolerance of three populations of the salvinia weevil (Cyrtobagous salviniae) from Louisiana, USA

Cozad, A., Diaz, R. and C. Mudge. 2019. Biocontrol Science and Technology https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2019.1608512

Temperature-dependent development and host range of crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae)

Wang, Z., Chen, Y. and R. Diaz. 2019. Florida Entomologist 102: 181-186.

Physiology of crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), associated with seasonally altered cold tolerance

Wang, Z., Chen, Y., Diaz, R. and R. A. Laine. 2019. Journal of Insect Physiology 112: 1-8.

Does the aquatic herbicide 2,4-D and a non-ionic surfactant impact survival of salvinia weevil?

Wahl, C. , Mudge, C. and R. Diaz. 2018. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 56: 113-119.

Invasion of Nipponaclerda biwakoensis (Hemiptera: Aclerdidae) and Phragmites australis die-back in southern Louisiana, U.S.A.

Knight, I., Wilson, B. E., Gill, M., Aviles, L., Cronin, J. T., Nyman, J. A., Schneider, S. A. and R. Diaz. 2018. Biological Invasions 10: 2739-2744.

Taxonomy of Calophya species associated with Brazilian peppertree (Hemiptera: Calophyidae)

Burckhardt, D., Cuda, J. P., Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A., Prade, P., Queiroz, D., Vitorino, M. D. and G. S. Wheeler, G. S. 2018. Florida Entomologist 101: 178-188.

Is wild taro a suitable target for classical control in the United States?

Cozad, L. A., Harms, N., Russell, A. D., De Souza, M. and R. Diaz. 2018. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 56: 1-12.

Changes in latitude: overwintering survival of two Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) biotypes in Florida

Smith. M., Overholt, W. A., Lake, E., Diaz, R., Manrique, M., Hight, S., Rohrig, E., Minteer, C., Wheeler, G., Rayamajhi, M., Bowers, K. and C. Kerr. 2018. Biocontrol Science and Technology 28: 293-306.

Diversity and impact of herbivorous insects on Brazilian Peppertree in Florida prior to release of exotic biological control agents

Battharai, G., Diaz, R., Manrique, V., Turechek, W., Buss, L., Stange, B. and W. A. Overholt. 2017. Biocontrol Science and Technology 27: 703-722.

Surveys in Argentina and Uruguay reveal Cyrtobagous salviniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) populations adapted to survive temperate climates in southeastern USA

Russell, A., Johnson, S., Cibils, X., McKay, F., Moshman, L., Madeira, P., Blair, Z. and R. Diaz. 2017. Biological Control 107: 41-49.

Comparative evaluation of development and reproductive capacity of two biotypes of Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Biological Control Agents of Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) in Florida

Manrique, V., Lake, E. Smith, M., Diaz, R., Franko, C., Pratt, P. D., Rayamajhi, M. B. and W. Overholt. 2017. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 110: 310-316.

A Review of the Tawny Crazy Ant, Nylanderia fulva, an Emergent Ant Invader in the Southern United States: Is Biological Control a Feasible Management Option?

Wang, Z., Moshman, L., Kraus, E. C., Wilson, B. E., Acharya, N. and R. Diaz. 2016. Insects DOI: 10.3390/insects7040077

Crapemyrtle Bark Scale: A New Threat for Crapemyrtles, a Popular Landscape Plant in the U.S.

Wang, Z., Chen, Y., Gu, M. Vafaie, E., Merchant, M. and R. Diaz. 2016. Insects 7: 78. DOI: 10.3390/insects7040078

Galls induced by Calophya latiforceps (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) reduce leaf performance and growth of Brazilian peppertree

Prade, P., Diaz, R., Vitorino, M., Cuda, J. P., Kumar, P., Gruber, B. and W. A. Overholt. 2016. Biocontrol Science and Technology 26: 23-34.

Biological control of the invasive weed, Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia. A review of the project with an update on the proposed agents

Wheeler, G. S., McKay, F., Vitorino, M., Manrique, V., Diaz, R. and W. A. Overholt. 2016. Southeastern Naturalist 15(Sp8): 15-34.

Diversity of arthropods associated with Mikania spp. and Chromolaena odorata (Asterales: Asteraceae: Eupatorieae) in Florida

Diaz, R., Romero, S., Roda, A. and W. A. Overholt. 2015. Florida Entomologist 98: 389-393.

Exploring origins, invasion history and genetic diversity of Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. (Cogongrass) in the United States using genotyping by sequencing

Murrel, A. M., Pepper, A. E., Hodnett, G., Goolsby, J. A., Overholt, W. A., Racelis, A. E., Diaz, R. and P. E. Klein. 2015. Molecular Ecology 24: 2177-2193.

New species diversity revealed from molecular and morphological characterization of gall-inducing Calophya spp. (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) from Brazilian peppertree

Diaz, R., Dickey, A., Shatters, R. G., Manrique, V., and Overholt, W. A. 2015. Florida Entomologist 28: 776-779.

Deep characterization of the microbiomes of Calophya spp. (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) gall-inducing psyllids reveals the absence of plant pathogenic bacteria and three dominant endosymbionts

Overholt, W., Diaz, R., Rosskopf, E., Green, S. J. and W. A. Overholt. 2015. PLoS ONE 10(7):e0132248. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0132248

Host specificity testing and examination for plant pathogens reveals that the gall-inducing psyllid Calophya latiforceps is safe to release for biological control of Brazilian peppertree

Diaz, R., Manrique, V., Munyaneza, J. E., Sengoda, V. G., Adkins, S., Hendricks, K., Roberts, P. and W. A. Overholt. 2014. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 154: 1-14.

Temperature-Dependent Development, Cold Tolerance, and Potential Distribution of Cricotopus lebetis (Diptera: Chironomidae), a Tip Miner of Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrocharitaceae)

Stratman, K., Overholt, W. A., Cuda, J. P., Mukherjee, A., Diaz, R., Netherland, M. D., and Wilson, P.C. 2014. Journal of Insect Science 14: 1, 10.1093/jisesa/ieu015

Host range tests reveal Paectes longiformis is not a suitable biological control agent for the invasive plant Schinus terebinthifolia

Manrique, V., Diaz, R., Condon, T., and W. A. Overholt. 2014. BioControl 59: 761–770.

Native range density, host utilization and life history of Calophya latiforceps (Hemiptera: Calophyidae): An herbivore of Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia)

Diaz, R., Moscoso, D., Manrique, V., Williams, D. and W. A. Overholt. 2014. . Biocontrol Science and Technology 24: 536-553.

Successful biological control of tropical soda apple (Solanales: Solanaceae) in Florida: A review of key program components

Diaz, R., Manrique, V., Hibbard, K., Fox, A., Roda, A., Gandolfo, D., McKay, F., Medal, J., Hight, S. and W. A. Overholt. 2014. Florida Entomologist 97: 179-190.

Comparison of two populations of Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) as candidates for biological control of the invasive weed Schinus terebinthifolia (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae)

Manrique, V., Diaz, R., Erazo, L., Reddi, N., Wheeler, G. S., Williams, D. and W. A. Overholt. 2014. Biocontrol Science and Technology 24: 518-535.

Biology and host Specificity of Anthonomus tenebrosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A herbivore of Tropical soda apple

Diaz, R., Menocal, O., Montemayor, C. and W. A. Overholt. 2013. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 106: 491-502.

Systematics and biology of Cremastobombycia chromolaenae, new species (Gracillariidae), a natural enemy of Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and H. Robinson (Asteraceae)

Davis, D., Diaz, R. and W. A. Overholt. 2013. Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society 67: 35-41.

Temperature-dependent development and cold tolerance of Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a pest of cruciferous crops in the Southeastern United States

Manrique, V., Diaz, R., Montemayor, C., Serrano, D. and R. D. Cave. 2012. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 105: 854-864.

Effect of elevated CO2 on tropical soda apple and its biological control agent Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Diaz, R., Manrique, V., He, Z. and W. A. Overholt. 2012. Biocontrol Science and Technology 22: 763-776.

Niche-based prediction of establishment of biocontrol agents: an example with Gratiana boliviana and tropical soda apple

Mukherjee, A., Diaz, R., Thom, M., Overholt, W. A. and J.P. Cuda. 2012. Biocontrol Science and Technology 22: 447-461.

Temperature-dependent development, diapause and cold tolerance of Gratiana graminea (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a potential biological control agent of Solanum viarum in Florida

Manrique, V., Diaz, R., and W. A. Overholt. 2012. BioControl 57: 581-589.

Arthropod community associated with tropical soda apple and natural enemies of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Florida

Diaz, R., Hibbard, K., Samayoa, A. and W. A. Overholt. 2012. Florida Entomologist 9: 228-232.

Description and biology of Paectes longiformis (Lepidoptera: Euteliidae), a new species from Brazil and potential biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree in Florida

Manrique V., Diaz, R., Pogue, M. G., Vitorino, M. D. and W. A. Overholt. 2012. . Biocontrol Science and Technology 22: 163-185.

Differential performance of tropical soda apple and its biological control agent Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in open and shaded habitats

Diaz, R., Aguirre, C., Wheeler, G. S., Lapointe, S. L. and W.A. Overholt. 2011. Environmental Entomology 40: 1437-1447.

Phragmites in Florida

Overholt, W.A., Diaz, R., Hanson, M. and D. Williams. 2011. Aquatics 33: 6-7.

Evaluation of mortality factors using life table analysis of Gratiana boliviana, a biological control agent of tropical soda apple in Florida

Manrique, V., Diaz, R., Hight, S. and W.A. Overholt. 2011. Biological Control 59: 354-360.

Calophya latiforceps, a new species of jumping plant lice (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) associated with Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae) in Brazil

Burckhardt, D., Cuda, J. P., Manrique, V., Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A., Williams, D. A., Christ, L. R. and M.D. Vitorino. 2011. Florida Entomologist 94: 489-499.

Suitability of a new plant invader as a target for biological control in Florida

Manrique, V., Diaz, R., Cuda, J. P. and W.A. Overholt. 2011. Invasive Plant Science and Management 4: 1-10.

The effect of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) herbivory on growth and population density of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum) in Florida

Overholt, W.A., Diaz, R., Markle, L. and J.C. Medal. 2010. Biocontrol Science and Technology 20: 791-807.

Diapause termination of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) using a juvenile hormone analog, and implications for biological control of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum, Solanaceae)

Reddy, R., Manrique, V., Diaz, R. and W. A. Overholt. 2010. Biocontrol Science and Technology 20: 997-1000.

Biological Control of Tropical Soda Apple (Solanaceae) in Florida: Post- Release Evaluation

Medal, J., Bustamante, N, Overholt, W., Diaz, R., Stansly, P., Roda, A., Amalin, D., Hibbard, K., Gaskalla, R., Sellers, B. and J.P. Cuda. 2010. Florida Entomologist 93: 130-132.

Characterizing the host specificity of Ischnodemus variegatus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Blissidae) on two congeneric grass species

Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A., Heard, T. A., Samayoa, A. and R. D. van Klinken. 2010. Biological Control 55: 219-224.

Host specificity of Ischnodemus variegatus, an herbivore of West Indian marsh grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis)

Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A., Cuda, J., Pratt, P. and A. Fox. 2009. BioControl 54: 307-321.

Temperature-dependent development of the cycad Aulacaspis scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

Cave, R. C., Sciacchetano, C. and R. Diaz. 2009. Florida Entomologist 92: 578-581.

Releases, distribution and abundance of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum, Solanaceae), in Florida

Overholt, W.A., Diaz, R., Hibbard, K., Roda, A., Amalin, D., Fox, A., Hight, S. D., Medal, J., Stansly, P., Carlisle, B., Walter, J., Hogue, P., Gary, L., Wiggens, L., Kirby, C. and S. Crawford. 2009. Florida Entomologist 92:450-457.

Temperature-dependent development, survival, and potential distribution of Ischnodemus variegatus (Hemiptera: Blissidae), a herbivore of West Indian Marsh Grass

Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A., Cuda, J. P., Pratt, P. and A. Fox. 2008. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 101: 604-612.

Temperature-dependent development, cold tolerance, and potential distribution of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum (Solanaceae)

Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A., Samayoa, S., Sosa, F., Cordeau, D. and J. Medal. 2008. Biocontrol Science and Technology 18: 193-207.

Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) does not feed on Jamaican Nightshade Solanum jamaicense (Solanaceae)

Overholt, W. A., Diaz, R., Markle, L. and J. Medal. 2008. Florida Entomologist 91: 121-123.

Temperature-dependent development and potential distribution of Episimus utilis (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a candidate biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) in Florida

Manrique, V., Cuda, J. P., Overholt, W. A. and R. Diaz. 2008. Environmental Entomology 37: 862-870.

Control of West Indian Marsh Grass with Glyphosate and Imazapyr

Sellers, B., Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A. and K. Langeland. 2008. Journal of the Aquatic Plant Management Society 46: 189-192.

Solanum viarum Dunal (Solanaceae), primer reporte para Honduras

Diaz, R., Samayoa, A., Overholt, W. A. and A. Pitty. 2008. CEIBA 49: 133-134.

Jamaican Nightshade (Solanum jamaicense): A threat to Florida’s hammocks

Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A. and K. Langeland. 2008. Invasive Plant Science and Management 1: 422-425.

Effect of the Red Imported Fire Ant on Cotton Aphid population density and predation of Bollworm and Beet Armyworm Eggs

Diaz, R., Knutson, A. and J. Bernal 2004. Journal of Economic Entomology 97: 222-229.

Ground Beetle assemblages in mulched and non-mulched garden plots

Wiedenmann, R. N., Diaz, R. and C. Sadof. 2004. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 77: 99–109.

Feeding effects of Ischnodemus variegatus (Hemiptera: Blissidae) on photosynthesis and growth of Hymenachne amplexicaulis (Poaceae)

Overholt, W.A., Ewe, S. M. L., Diaz, R., Morgan, E. C. and O. E. Moeri. 2004. Florida Entomologist 87: 312–316.

Quantification and development of teratocytes in novel- association host-parasitoid combinations

Alleyne, M., Wiedenmann, R. N. and R. Diaz. 2001. Journal of Insect Physiology 47: 1419-1427.

We communicate with our stakeholders using several methods as part of our program on invasive species and biological control. We cooperate closely with several federal, state, and local institutions working with invasive species management. Thanks to the LSU AgCenter Communications office we have developed websites, factsheets, webinars, short videos, and how-to manuals on invasive species. Graduate students in the laboratory participate actively in the development of non-technical communications as part of their career program.

For more information about outreach efforts, please visit our LSU AgCenter Invasive Species website.

Rodrigo Diaz
Associate Professor

Rodrigo leads the research program on biological control and invasive species.

Ilgoo Khan
Postdoctoral Associate

Ilgoo studies the phylogeny of the subfamily Cardiochilinae (Braconidae) which contains several parasitoid species of crop pests. In addition, Ilgoo assists with the identification of parasitoids of our projects.

Logan Herbert
Research Associate

Logan is completing his Masters degree in Biology from Eastern Illinois University, where he is looking at insect community dynamics in hazelnut agroecosystems. He oversees the organization and completion of surveys and collections of Phragmites in the Mississippi River Delta and in the surrounding areas of southeast Louisiana. This is accomplished in order to better determine the health of the Phragmites as well as the abundance of roseau cane scale insects.

Korey Pham
Research Associate

Korey has broad interests on conservation ecology in managed and natural systems. In partnership with the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) and LSU AgCenter, Korey is responsible for managing the giant salvinia weevil mass-rearing operation and monitoring giant salvinia infestations across Southern Louisiana.

Josh Snook
Research Associate

Josh completed his Master’s of Science degree in Entomology at Michigan State University in 2020 where he identified the effects of heat waves on the interaction and development of potato plants, early blight, and the Colorado potato beetle. Josh will be studying the invasive Roseau cane scale and its role in the Phragmites “Roseau cane” die-off in the Mississippi River Delta.

Tanner Sparks
Research Associate

Tanner studies the parasitoids of the roseau cane scale (Nipponaclerda biwakoensis) present in Louisiana. The three species, Astymachus lasallei, Neastymachus japonicus, and Boucekiella depressa, are potential biocontrol agents of the scale. Tanner received his master’s degree from the University of Georgia in 2020 studying insecticide resistance in sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci.

Rylea Norton
Student Worker

Rylea helps with the mass rearing of salvinia weevil in the greenhouse, and monitoring of experiments related to aquatic weeds.

Morgan Carrere
Student Worker

Morgan assists with the Phragmites die-back program, specifically with field surveys of roseau cane scales, evaluation of restoration plots, and mesocosm experiments.

Lab Alumni

Steven Woodley, PhD,

Postoctoral Associate

Steven worked on biological control of giant salvinia, specifically, on population dynamics and the impact of salinity on the salinia weevil.

Ian Knight, PhD

Postoctoral Associate

Ian managed the roseau cane scale project including field sampling, biological control, and host plant resistance projects.

Leslie Aviles, M. Sc.

Leslie studied the host range of the roseau cane scale and host plant resistance among Phragmites populations.

Giovana Matos, M. Sc.

Giovana studied the impact of commercial entomophatogens on the crapemyrtle bark scale and associated predators.

Balwinder Kaur, M. Sc.

Balwinder evaluated the establishment of parasitoids for the emerald ash borer.

Lori Moshman, M. Sc.

Lori measured the impact of row cover fabrics and crowding as methods to increase overwintering temperatures for salvinia weevils.

Zinan Wang, M. Sc.

Zinan studied the overwintering ecology of the crapemyrtle bark scale.

Alana Russell, M. Sc.

Alana compared the thermal ecology of the salvinia weevil from populations from Louisiana, Australia and Argentina.

Seth Spinner, B.S.

Seth studied air potato beetle distribution in LA and MS, and the biology of the fortuitous biological control agent of parrotfeather.

Matthew Berry, B.S.

Matt assisted with the Phragmites die-back project. Matt was responsible for surveys of scales at the MS River Delta.

Charlie Wahl, PhD

Charlie studied the impact of giant salvinia on macroinvertebrate communities in Louisiana.

Carlos Wiggins

Carlos studied the diversity of insect herbivores on Conyza sp. in MS, LA, and TX. This project was in cooperation with CSIRO from Australia.

and consider biological control the cornerstone of invasive species management.

Biological control could happen in a matter of months.

Drastic reduction of cover and biomass of giant salvinia due to action of the salvinia weevil, Cameron Parish, Louisiana. Image before was taken in June, and after was taken in September.

You can follow our lab projects in:

https://www.instagram.com/lsubiocontrol/
and
https://www.instagram.com/weevil_rock_you/

Approach

Courses offer the theory and practice of Invasive Species Ecology and Biological Control. Efforts are made to have guest lectures with specialists with practical experience on the subjects. Using current research projects in the laboratory, we involve the students in discussions about the challenges and opportunities of using biological control. In addition, class assignments or activities are focus on benefiting directly the student's career. For example, we develop experiments or do review articles aimed for peer-reviewed journals, practice developing scientific presentations and oral communication skills, and write outreach materials related to key research projects. One of the goals is to motivate the student to dig deeper into topics that mean something to them!

Invasive Species Ecology

ENTM 4020

Course Description

After habitat loss, the impact of invasive species is the next most important threat to natural and managed ecosystems. In this course, the student will learn a brief history on the discipline of invasion ecology including the writing by Charles Elton and other workers who provided the foundation of the discipline.

The invasion process includes the transport, establishment, spread and impact of an organism. In addition, the course will cover different approaches to the study of invasive species including models of spread, risk assessment, impact measurement; and to manage invasive species including regulation, prevention, eradication, and control. Each class will be composed of a short lecture covering the theory, study cases, and in-class problem-solving exercises. Guest speakers working on invasive species in Louisiana will be invited to cover specific topics and provide experiences and different perspectives. Having a solid understanding on the process of a biological invasion will help students in the development of effective management programs.

The course will consist of two 1.5-hour lectures and/or discussion per week. Lectures will provide the fundamental concepts of each topic outlined below. Guest lectures will provide examples of invasive species and their management in Louisiana. Discussions will be summaries of key papers on invasion biology and will be led by students.

Biological Control

ENTM 7016

Course Description

Biological control is the use of natural enemies including predators, parasitoids, weed feeders and entomopathogens for the reduction of pest densities. This course will focus on the concepts of biological control of insects, mites and weeds in natural and managed ecosystems. The student will learn about the history of biological control including critical pest management programs that provided the foundation of the discipline. The biology and diversity of natural enemies will be presented.

The course will cover the implementation of biological control including the importation of natural enemies or classical biological control, the deliberate increase of natural enemies or augmentation biological control, and the preservation and enhancement of resources to favor natural enemies or conservation biological control. In addition, the students will learn about techniques to monitor and evaluate natural enemies, federal regulations and the importance of educating the stakeholders about biological control. Having a solid understanding of biological control will help students in the development of effective pest management programs.

The course will consist of two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour laboratory or discussion per week. Lectures will provide the foundational concepts on each topic outlined in the course schedule below. Laboratories will consist on development of research project o discussions each week. Discussions will be summaries of review papers about biological control and will be led by students. There will be three assignments and a final term-paper.

Home | Diaz Lab (rodrigodiazlab.com)