Invasive Species

Especies invasivas 

Especies Invasoras

Marine Ecosystems

Entorno marino

There have been a lot of things brought into and out of the deep South that seemed like a good idea at the time. From kudzu and mullet haircuts to deep-fried Twinkies and jorts, we should probably think twice about a few trends. One such grand idea was the tung oil tree. Recently, some good [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_39961" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39961" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/tung-oil-5.jpg"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="size-medium wp-image-39961 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/tung-oil-5-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39961" class="wp-caption-text">The tung oil tree has heart-shaped leaves and large fruit. However, these are toxic to humans. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
There have been a lot of things brought into and out of the deep South that seemed like a good idea at the time. From <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2022/05/04/weekly-what-is-it-kudzu/">kudzu</a> and mullet haircuts to deep-fried Twinkies and jorts, we should probably think twice about a few trends. One such grand idea was the tung oil tree.
Recently, some good friends who have a little piece of property over in Walton County asked me about a beautiful, leafy tree with big green citrus-like fruit growing on their land. They were hoping it was edible. While I wasn’t immediately familiar with it, my horticulture agent colleagues were, and emphasized that it is most definitely NOT something to eat.
<a href="https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/aleurites-fordii/">Tung oil trees (Vernicia fordii, formerly Aleurites fordii) </a>were introduced along the Gulf Coast from Texas to northwest Florida in the early part of the 20th century as a potential cash crop. In its native range in southeast Asia—particularly southern China—oil extracted from wild tung tree nuts was used to waterproof wooden boats the way we used longleaf pine sap. For centuries, they burned the oil in lamps and used the wood for instruments. Awareness of tung oil reached western civilization via Marco Polo, and later through trading along the Silk Road.
<figure id="attachment_39967" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39967" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/tung-oil-3.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-39967 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/tung-oil-3-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39967" class="wp-caption-text">Inside the tung oil tree fruit are nuts, which can be pressed for a high-quality, quick-drying oil. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
When an American diplomat to China sent seeds of the tung oil tree to contacts in California in the early 1900’s, they did not survive the arid climate. From there, more saplings were sent to <a href="https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/295194">agricultural experiment stations across the country</a> to see if they’d perform better elsewhere. Several of the first successful stands of tung oil trees were actually nearby, in Tallahassee and Fairhope, Alabama. Turns out, tung oil trees loved the Gulf South. Our humidity, heavy rainfall, and milder winters felt more like “home” than anywhere else in the country. Enthusiasm about a potential new crop saw the planting of thousands of trees in stretch of the northern Gulf Coast and was deemed the “Tung Belt.”
<figure id="attachment_39977" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39977" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/tung-factory.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-39977 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="242" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/tung-factory-300x242.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39977" class="wp-caption-text">A worker feeds tung nuts into a machine inside a tung oil plant in Tallahassee. A single factory could purchase as much as 400 tons of tung nuts in a single day (1949). Photo courtesy State of Florida archives.</figcaption></figure>
Most of the plantations were financed and owned by wealthy Midwestern businessmen taking advantage of a program intended to help poor Southerners buy timberland. <a href="https://www.se-eppc.org/wildlandweeds/pdf/Winter2005-Brown-pp4-6.pdf">Tung oil orchards were first planted in the very areas where our longleaf pine forests had been widely clearcut</a>. After establishing tree orchards and hiring local help to harvest, they were hoping to attract industrial processors for paint, ink, and oil using the raw materials provided by the trees.  The trees are fast-growing, helping manage erosion, and producing a crop in 3-5 years as opposed to the decades required to harvest pine. Experimentation with the oil increased during World War I.  According to the September 1929 issue of the The Journal of American Oil Chemists’ Society, by the mid-1920’s, tung oil was the 4th largest chemical import, and there was a lot of interest in elevating domestic production. The first American oil producing plant was opened in Alachua County, Florida, in 1928, hoping to compete with that huge import industry.
<figure id="attachment_39965" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39965" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/Tung-flowers-Photo-Timothy-Rinehart-USDA-Agricultural-Research-Service.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39965 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="298" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/Tung-flowers-Photo-Timothy-Rinehart-USDA-Agricultural-Research-Service-300x298.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39965" class="wp-caption-text">Tung oil tree flowers in bloom. Photo credit: Timothy Rinehart, USDA Agricultural Research Service</figcaption></figure>
The short-lived effort was first met with great hope for economically and botanically diversifying southern agriculture. Despite great efforts to popularize the tree through “Tung Oil Queen” contests and magazine articles highlighting their lovely flowers, the effort never truly took root. The nascent tung oil industry in the USA lasted through World War II, fueled by rich boosters, government investment, and anti-Chinese messaging. During the war, the federal government commandeered its use for waterproofing clothing, tents, ships, planes, and lubricating machinery.  Unfortunately, growers were unable to ramp up domestic production substantially during the short time frame of the war. By the late 40’s, competition from imported products, synthetic oils, and the tree&#8217;s vulnerability to freezes led to waning enthusiasm and the industry weakened. It was officially deemed over in 1969 when Hurricane Camille wiped out the last of the orchards.
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/tung-infograph.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-39963 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="285" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/files/2024/07/tung-infograph-285x300.jpg"></a>Remnants of these trees still pop up along the northern Gulf coast. Tung oil trees are considered a “species of caution” in north Florida by the IFAS Assessment and a Category II invasive species by the <a href="http://bugwoodcloud.org/CDN/fleppc/plantlists/2019/2019_Plant_List_ABSOLUTE_FINAL.pdf">Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council</a>. According to the <a href="https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/aleurites-fordii">UF IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants</a>, “all parts of the tung oil tree are poisonous, and one seed can be fatal.” Many people have an allergic reaction when touching the leaves, but if leaves or seeds are ingested they can cause extremely serious <a href="https://www.se-eppc.org/wildlandweeds/pdf/Winter2005-Brown-pp4-6.pdf">gastric and respiratory distress</a>.
Tung oil trees are in the Euphorbia family and are related to rubber trees. The <a href="https://www.se-eppc.org/wildlandweeds/pdf/Winter2005-Brown-pp4-6.pdf">fruit ripens and turns red in the fall</a>. Inside the fruit are nuts with 3-5 seeds, which yield the high-quality oil once pressed. They do have incredibly beautiful, tropical-looking flowers and are still used as ornamental trees in some states. According to Extension colleagues at <a href="https://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/mhferguson/articles/page1702046482893">LSU, a new variety</a> that produces few fruits and no viable seeds has been developed that could be a safer option.
I learned a tremendous amount about this species and how it came to our area thanks to an <a href="https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5794&amp;context=td">exhaustive examination of the tung oil industry from a PhD history student</a> out of Mississippi State University. <a href="https://directory.msutexas.edu/users/whitneysnow">Dr. Snow&#8217;s</a> dissertation is a fascinating overview of cultural, economic, agricultural, and world history encapsulated in an oily little nut.

The tung oil tree has heart-shaped leaves and large fruit. However, these are toxic to humans. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
There have been a lot of things brought into and out of the deep South that seemed like a good idea at the time. From kudzu and mullet haircuts to deep-fried Twinkies and jorts, we should probably think twice about a few trends. One such grand idea was the tung oil tree.
Recently, some good friends who have a little piece of property over in Walton County asked me about a beautiful, leafy tree with big green citrus-like fruit growing on their land. They were hoping it was edible. While I wasn’t immediately familiar with it, my horticulture agent colleagues were, and emphasized that it is most definitely NOT something to eat.
Tung oil trees (Vernicia fordii, formerly Aleurites fordii) were introduced along the Gulf Coast from Texas to northwest Florida in the early part of the 20th century as a potential cash crop. In its native range in southeast Asia—particularly southern China—oil extracted from wild tung tree nuts was used to waterproof wooden boats the way we used longleaf pine sap. For centuries, they burned the oil in lamps and used the wood for instruments. Awareness of tung oil reached western civilization via Marco Polo, and later through trading along the Silk Road.
Inside the tung oil tree fruit are nuts, which can be pressed for a high-quality, quick-drying oil. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
When an American diplomat to China sent seeds of the tung oil tree to contacts in California in the early 1900’s, they did not survive the arid climate. From there, more saplings were sent to agricultural experiment stations across the country to see if they’d perform better elsewhere. Several of the first successful stands of tung oil trees were actually nearby, in Tallahassee and Fairhope, Alabama. Turns out, tung oil trees loved the Gulf South. Our humidity, heavy rainfall, and milder winters felt more like “home” than anywhere else in the country. Enthusiasm about a potential new crop saw the planting of thousands of trees in stretch of the northern Gulf Coast and was deemed the “Tung Belt.”
A worker feeds tung nuts into a machine inside a tung oil plant in Tallahassee. A single factory could purchase as much as 400 tons of tung nuts in a single day (1949). Photo courtesy State of Florida archives.
Most of the plantations were financed and owned by wealthy Midwestern businessmen taking advantage of a program intended to help poor Southerners buy timberland. Tung oil orchards were first planted in the very areas where our longleaf pine forests had been widely clearcut. After establishing tree orchards and hiring local help to harvest, they were hoping to attract industrial processors for paint, ink, and oil using the raw materials provided by the trees.  The trees are fast-growing, helping manage erosion, and producing a crop in 3-5 years as opposed to the decades required to harvest pine. Experimentation with the oil increased during World War I.  According to the September 1929 issue of the The Journal of American Oil Chemists’ Society, by the mid-1920’s, tung oil was the 4th largest chemical import, and there was a lot of interest in elevating domestic production. The first American oil producing plant was opened in Alachua County, Florida, in 1928, hoping to compete with that huge import industry.
Tung oil tree flowers in bloom. Photo credit: Timothy Rinehart, USDA Agricultural Research Service
The short-lived effort was first met with great hope for economically and botanically diversifying southern agriculture. Despite great efforts to popularize the tree through “Tung Oil Queen” contests and magazine articles highlighting their lovely flowers, the effort never truly took root. The nascent tung oil industry in the USA lasted through World War II, fueled by rich boosters, government investment, and anti-Chinese messaging. During the war, the federal government commandeered its use for waterproofing clothing, tents, ships, planes, and lubricating machinery.  Unfortunately, growers were unable to ramp up domestic production substantially during the short time frame of the war. By the late 40’s, competition from imported products, synthetic oils, and the tree’s vulnerability to freezes led to waning enthusiasm and the industry weakened. It was officially deemed over in 1969 when Hurricane Camille wiped out the last of the orchards.
Remnants of these trees still pop up along the northern Gulf coast. Tung oil trees are considered a “species of caution” in north Florida by the IFAS Assessment and a Category II invasive species by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. According to the UF IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, “all parts of the tung oil tree are poisonous, and one seed can be fatal.” Many people have an allergic reaction when touching the leaves, but if leaves or seeds are ingested they can cause extremely serious gastric and respiratory distress.
Tung oil trees are in the Euphorbia family and are related to rubber trees. The fruit ripens and turns red in the fall. Inside the fruit are nuts with 3-5 seeds, which yield the high-quality oil once pressed. They do have incredibly beautiful, tropical-looking flowers and are still used as ornamental trees in some states. According to Extension colleagues at LSU, a new variety that produces few fruits and no viable seeds has been developed that could be a safer option.
I learned a tremendous amount about this species and how it came to our area thanks to an exhaustive examination of the tung oil industry from a PhD history student out of Mississippi State University. Dr. Snow’s dissertation is a fascinating overview of cultural, economic, agricultural, and world history encapsulated in an oily little nut.

There have been a lot of things brought into and out of the deep South that seemed like a good idea at the time. From kudzu and mullet haircuts to deep-fried Twinkies and jorts, we should probably think twice about a few trends. One such grand idea was the tung oil tree. Recently, some good […]

Weekly “What is it?”: Tung Oil Tree

Tilapia are a member of the cichlid family, native to Africa and the Middle East. These tropical fish were first introduced to Florida in the early 1960s and have since spread throughout the state&#8217;s freshwater systems where they frequent nutrient rich waters, including stormwater ponds. Tilapia are salt tolerant and have been observed in mangrove [&#8230;]

Tilapia are a member of the cichlid family, native to Africa and the Middle East. These tropical fish were first introduced to Florida in the early 1960s and have since spread throughout the state&#8217;s freshwater systems where they frequent nutrient rich waters, including stormwater ponds. Tilapia are salt tolerant and have been observed in mangrove swamps and near-shore marine habitats. The most common species of Tilapia in Florida is the Blue Tilapia, Oreochromis aureus, considered invasive by the <a href="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/freshwater/blue-tilapia/">Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission</a>.
<h3>Blue Tilapia are Invasive</h3>
<figure id="attachment_32501" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-32501" style="width: 309px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-32501 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="man standing in a shallow pond holding a blue tilapia" width="309" height="412" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/07/Blue-Tilapia_Sipos-scaled.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-32501" class="wp-caption-text">UF/IFAS Sea Grant Collier County Agent Mike Sipos holding a Blue Tilapia. Photo courtesy of Mike Sipos.</figcaption></figure>
Invasive species are organisms that are found outside of their native range, were introduced due to human activity, and cause or are expected to cause harm to the local ecology, economy, or human health. Once outside of their native range, invasive species lack the predators or other natural controls that would otherwise keep their populations in check.
Increasing populations of Blue Tilapia are correlated with decreasing populations of native fish. Blue Tilapia may compete with native species for food as they feed on algae, plant material, and bottom-dwelling invertebrates. They have been known to compete with native fish for spawning sites, and their high reproductive success can lead to dense populations which may crowd native fish out of waterways.
Invasive species commonly possess traits or behaviors that lead to high reproductive success. Female Tilapia practice mouth brooding. Mouth brooding fish hold their eggs and young in their mouth to protect them from predators.  This survival strategy increases survival rates by protecting young tilapia during their most vulnerable stages. Tilapia breed year-round, with peak activity during the summer months.
<h3>Telltale Signs of Tilapia</h3>
Tilapia can often be spotted gathering in shallow  areas of stormwater ponds. The Blue Tilapia can grow to nearly 2 feet in length and appear blue-gray from the top, silver along the sides, and white on the belly.
<figure id="attachment_32483" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-32483" style="width: 1974px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-32483 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="1974" height="2048" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/07/Tilapia.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-32483" class="wp-caption-text">Blue Tilapia adult (top) and juvenile (bottom). <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/florida-fishes-gallery/blue-tilapia/">Florida Museum photo by Zachary Randall</a></figcaption></figure>
Easily distinguishable tilapia nests may be visible from shore. These nests resemble craters or depressions on the pond bottom. The nesting behavior of tilapia can stir up the bottom sediment of lakes and ponds, decreasing water clarity. Decreased water clarity can negatively impact submerged aquatic plants by blocking the sunlight they require for photosynthesis. Submerged aquatic plants are an important part of a balanced pond ecology and have been associated with increased sediment stabilization and phosphorus removal.
<figure id="attachment_32497" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-32497" style="width: 1974px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-32497 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="depressional tilapia nests on the bottom of a shallow pond" width="1974" height="2048" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/07/Tilapia-Nests.png"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-32497" class="wp-caption-text">Tilapia nests. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mk-creatures/12587475715/">Photo by Michael MK Khor on Flickr</a>. <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">Some rights reserved</a>.</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Removing Tilapia</h3>
Tilapia can present a challenge to remove from a system once they are introduced. Even if removed, Tilapia can easily reestablish within a stormwater pond. Birds may drop fish, including breeding females, into ponds as they fly overhead. During times of heavy rainfall, stormwater pond levels rise, and ponds may become connected, allowing fish to travel from one pond to the next.
For community stormwater ponds, some Pond Management Companies offer services to remove unwanted Tilapia. Typical means of removal include cast netting, seining, and electrofishing.
In some instances, local bait shops or fish houses may be interested in cast netting for Tilapia to use as bait. Such an arrangement can help support local businesses while reducing Tilapia populations in your pond.
<h4>Resources</h4>
<a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/florida-fishes-gallery/blue-tilapia/">Blue Tilapia &#8211; Florida Museum</a>
<a href="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/freshwater/blue-tilapia/">Blue Tilapia &#8211; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission</a>
<a href="https://www.sjrwmd.com/streamlines/district-scientists-partner-with-commercial-fishermen-to-improve-water-quality/#:~:text=Tilapia%20build%20volcano%2Dshaped%20nests,up%20sediment%20decreases%20water%20clarity.">District scientists partner with commercial fishermen to improve water quality &#8211; St. Johns River Water Management District</a>
<a href="https://www.sfwmd.gov/sites/default/files/documents/rs_science_plan_dsp_sav_resiliency.pdf">Improving Resilience of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in the STAs &#8211; South Florida Water Management District</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eWlc4_47BM">Coastal Invasive Species: Tilapia &#8211; Florida Sea Grant</a>

Tilapia are a member of the cichlid family, native to Africa and the Middle East. These tropical fish were first introduced to Florida in the early 1960s and have since spread throughout the state’s freshwater systems where they frequent nutrient rich waters, including stormwater ponds. Tilapia are salt tolerant and have been observed in mangrove swamps and near-shore marine habitats. The most common species of Tilapia in Florida is the Blue Tilapia, Oreochromis aureus, considered invasive by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Blue Tilapia are Invasive
UF/IFAS Sea Grant Collier County Agent Mike Sipos holding a Blue Tilapia. Photo courtesy of Mike Sipos.
Invasive species are organisms that are found outside of their native range, were introduced due to human activity, and cause or are expected to cause harm to the local ecology, economy, or human health. Once outside of their native range, invasive species lack the predators or other natural controls that would otherwise keep their populations in check.
Increasing populations of Blue Tilapia are correlated with decreasing populations of native fish. Blue Tilapia may compete with native species for food as they feed on algae, plant material, and bottom-dwelling invertebrates. They have been known to compete with native fish for spawning sites, and their high reproductive success can lead to dense populations which may crowd native fish out of waterways.
Invasive species commonly possess traits or behaviors that lead to high reproductive success. Female Tilapia practice mouth brooding. Mouth brooding fish hold their eggs and young in their mouth to protect them from predators.  This survival strategy increases survival rates by protecting young tilapia during their most vulnerable stages. Tilapia breed year-round, with peak activity during the summer months.
Telltale Signs of Tilapia
Tilapia can often be spotted gathering in shallow  areas of stormwater ponds. The Blue Tilapia can grow to nearly 2 feet in length and appear blue-gray from the top, silver along the sides, and white on the belly.
Blue Tilapia adult (top) and juvenile (bottom). Florida Museum photo by Zachary Randall
Easily distinguishable tilapia nests may be visible from shore. These nests resemble craters or depressions on the pond bottom. The nesting behavior of tilapia can stir up the bottom sediment of lakes and ponds, decreasing water clarity. Decreased water clarity can negatively impact submerged aquatic plants by blocking the sunlight they require for photosynthesis. Submerged aquatic plants are an important part of a balanced pond ecology and have been associated with increased sediment stabilization and phosphorus removal.
Tilapia nests. Photo by Michael MK Khor on Flickr. Some rights reserved.
Removing Tilapia
Tilapia can present a challenge to remove from a system once they are introduced. Even if removed, Tilapia can easily reestablish within a stormwater pond. Birds may drop fish, including breeding females, into ponds as they fly overhead. During times of heavy rainfall, stormwater pond levels rise, and ponds may become connected, allowing fish to travel from one pond to the next.
For community stormwater ponds, some Pond Management Companies offer services to remove unwanted Tilapia. Typical means of removal include cast netting, seining, and electrofishing.
In some instances, local bait shops or fish houses may be interested in cast netting for Tilapia to use as bait. Such an arrangement can help support local businesses while reducing Tilapia populations in your pond.
Resources
Blue Tilapia – Florida Museum
Blue Tilapia – Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
District scientists partner with commercial fishermen to improve water quality – St. Johns River Water Management District
Improving Resilience of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in the STAs – South Florida Water Management District
Coastal Invasive Species: Tilapia – Florida Sea Grant

Tilapia are a member of the cichlid family, native to Africa and the Middle East. These tropical fish were first introduced to Florida in the early 1960s and have since spread throughout the state’s freshwater systems where they frequent nutrient rich waters, including stormwater ponds. Tilapia are salt tolerant and have been observed in mangrove […]

Tilapia in Stormwater Ponds

Recap of July 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector In July, we talked about invasive pests of pine. Florida has about 17 million acres of forestland with a significant portion covered in pine. The state also has a significant pine industry. Florida produces around 750 million board feet of pine annual used both within [&#8230;]

<h2>Recap of July 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector</h2>
In July, we talked about invasive pests of pine. Florida has about 17 million acres of forestland with a significant portion covered in pine. The state also has a significant pine industry. Florida produces around 750 million board feet of pine annual used both within Florida and export to other states. Invasive pests threaten not only the state&#8217;s economy but also our diversity natural ecosystems.
While we have native pine pests, this webinar covered some invasive pine pests that do not occur in the United States. We focused on species that are currently listed on the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Priority Pest List for pines.
Some of the wood-feeding species discussed include: Large Pine Weevil (Hylobius abietis), Black Spruce Beetle  (Tetropium castaneum), Brown Spruce Longhorned Beetle (Tetropium fuscum), and Sixtoothed Bark Beetle (Ips sexdentatus).
We also talked about several invasive defoliators including Masson Pine Moth (Dendrolimus punctatus), Pine-tree Lappet (Dendrolimus pini), Siberian Silk Moth (Dendrolimus sibiricus), Pine Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), Pine Beauty Moth (Panolis flammea), and Pine Sawfly (Diprion pini).
This webinar also featured a priority rust fungus called Scots Pine Blister Rust (Cronartium flaccidum) that has not been found in the US. We compared this to another rust, native to Europe and Asia, that was introduced to the US in the early 1900&#8217;s, White Pine Blister Rust (Cronartium ribicola).
Many of these invasive pests can be tough to identify. When in doubt, submitting samples is the best step! Proper identification of the problem can rule out newly introduced pests and help with selection of management strategies. Or you might be the first to find a new invasive species in our area — the sooner we catch it, the better!
<h3>Resources on Pine Pests</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://approvedmethods.ceris.purdue.edu/">CAPS National Priority Pest List</a> (click pest for info on each species and more resources)</li>
<li><a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP565">UF Ask IFAS EDIS on Key Pests of Pine</a></li>
<li><a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/pines">UF ASK IFAS EDIS Topics on Pines</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/Forest-Health/Forest-Insects/Southern-Pine-Beetle/Manage-Your-Forest-to-Prevent-Southern-Pine-Beetle-Damage">FDACS Managing Your Forest to Prevent Southern Pine Beetle</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Want to watch the recording?</h2>
<iframe loading="lazy" title="July 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector: Invasive Pine Pests" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VPPU2gxg-U?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<h2>What is the upcoming schedule?</h2>
We are meeting online via Zoom from 12:00PM-1:00PM on the First Friday of every month from Sept 2022-Aug 2024. Please visit <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/2023/07/17/first-fridays-with-ffd-24/">this blog</a> for registration information and the upcoming schedule for Sept 2023-2024. The links to our next cycle of webinars (September 2024 &#8211; August 2025) should be available soon, so be on the lookout for this in the near future!
<h2>Questions?</h2>
Contact Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, <a href="mailto:morgan0402@ufl.edu">morgan0402@ufl.edu</a>
Or
Visit the <a href="http://www.flfirstdetector.com/">Florida First Detector Website</a>

Recap of July 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector
In July, we talked about invasive pests of pine. Florida has about 17 million acres of forestland with a significant portion covered in pine. The state also has a significant pine industry. Florida produces around 750 million board feet of pine annual used both within Florida and export to other states. Invasive pests threaten not only the state’s economy but also our diversity natural ecosystems.
While we have native pine pests, this webinar covered some invasive pine pests that do not occur in the United States. We focused on species that are currently listed on the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Priority Pest List for pines.
Some of the wood-feeding species discussed include: Large Pine Weevil (Hylobius abietis), Black Spruce Beetle  (Tetropium castaneum), Brown Spruce Longhorned Beetle (Tetropium fuscum), and Sixtoothed Bark Beetle (Ips sexdentatus).
We also talked about several invasive defoliators including Masson Pine Moth (Dendrolimus punctatus), Pine-tree Lappet (Dendrolimus pini), Siberian Silk Moth (Dendrolimus sibiricus), Pine Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), Pine Beauty Moth (Panolis flammea), and Pine Sawfly (Diprion pini).
This webinar also featured a priority rust fungus called Scots Pine Blister Rust (Cronartium flaccidum) that has not been found in the US. We compared this to another rust, native to Europe and Asia, that was introduced to the US in the early 1900’s, White Pine Blister Rust (Cronartium ribicola).
Many of these invasive pests can be tough to identify. When in doubt, submitting samples is the best step! Proper identification of the problem can rule out newly introduced pests and help with selection of management strategies. Or you might be the first to find a new invasive species in our area — the sooner we catch it, the better!
Resources on Pine Pests
CAPS National Priority Pest List (click pest for info on each species and more resources)
UF Ask IFAS EDIS on Key Pests of Pine
UF ASK IFAS EDIS Topics on Pines
FDACS Managing Your Forest to Prevent Southern Pine Beetle
Want to watch the recording?

What is the upcoming schedule?
We are meeting online via Zoom from 12:00PM-1:00PM on the First Friday of every month from Sept 2022-Aug 2024. Please visit this blog for registration information and the upcoming schedule for Sept 2023-2024. The links to our next cycle of webinars (September 2024 – August 2025) should be available soon, so be on the lookout for this in the near future!
Questions?
Contact Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, morgan0402@ufl.edu
Or
Visit the Florida First Detector Website

Recap of July 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector In July, we talked about invasive pests of pine. Florida has about 17 million acres of forestland with a significant portion covered in pine. The state also has a significant pine industry. Florida produces around 750 million board feet of pine annual used both within […]

July 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector

Non-Native Species

Especies no nativas 

Extension scientist and director, Doctor of Plant Medicine program, UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology, Gainesville, FL 32611. <a href="http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/people-directory/amanda-hodges/">department profile</a> <a href="http://vivo.ufl.edu/display/n54351">VIVO profile</a>

Hodges, Amanda C.

Bell, Emily C.

Miller, Melissa

Invasive Wildlife

Invasive Plants

Invasive Invertebrates

Interspecific competition where native species are competing with nonnative species for resources (e.g., nutrients, space, water, etc.)

Invasive Species

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