Solanum viarum and Gratiana boliviana Production Kenneth Hibbard ~ Biological Scientist III Fort Pierce Farmer’s Market.

Solanum viarum and Gratiana boliviana Production

Solanum viarum and Gratiana boliviana Production

Kenneth Hibbard ~ Biological Scientist IIIKenneth Hibbard ~ Biological Scientist III

Fort Pierce Farmer’s Market Fort Pierce Farmer’s Market

Areas of TSA OccurrenceTSA has spread to other states primarily a result of cattle shipments from Florida.

Florida

South Carolina

Puerto Rico

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

GeorgiaAlabamaTennessee

Mississippi

Field Releases2003 - 2007

Gratiana Boliviana Releases

• Year Florida Alabama Georgia Texas

• 2003 1825

• 2004 6087

• 2005 18900 6100 4225

• 2006 31636 6600 5300

• 2007 35974 5250 5250 325

• Total 94422 17950 14775 325

LAND USE (2003 – 2007)

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

Ranch Conservation Other Residential

2007 RELEASES

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

20000

DPI, Ft.Pierce UF,Gainesville

USDA, Miami UF,Immokolee

UF, Ft. Pierce Polk Co.Rearing Fac

Achievements in 2007• Increased annual production• Total releases topped 94,000 in Florida• Releases made in new counties in Florida

(5) and in the state of Texas (1)• Total releases topped 127,000 nationwide• Increased public awareness and acceptance• Increased knowledge of the factors involved

in the production of Gratiana

PARASITOIDS

SCREEN HOUSE PRODUCTION

Exit Holes

100X magnification

1000X magnification

Goals & Objectives For 2008

• Lengthen Production Timeline Less Sensitivity To Photoperiod

• Increase Production of Beetles Understand And Control Parasitoids & Predators

• Increase Release Areas Nationwide Release in New Counties/ States

• Public Outreach – Awareness & Acceptance