Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Hemiptera; Diaspididae); agente con licencia para controlar. Primeros resultados del plan de control biológico del carrizo gigante en Estados Unidos

Resumen

More than ten years ago, a biological control plan was initiated by Department of Agriculture of the United States (USDA) in order to find a solution for counteracting the invasion of the Red Giant: Arundo donax Linnaeus (1753) in riparian ecosystems of USA and México. This invasive plant is originating serious environmental and economic problems in these natural areas as the displacement of native plant species, decreasing in its associate fauna biodiversity and an important water consume. An insect complex was considered as potential biological control agents against this grass, between them, Rhizaspidiotus donacis Leonardi (1920) (Hemiptera; Diaspididae) was one of the most encouraging agents due to this insect exerts a significant impact on both, aerial and underground parts of the plant. Nowadays, the releases of this monofagous insect have been accepted and carried out along Río Grande, one of the most affected natural areas. The settlement and reproduction of R. donacis were reported with good preliminary observations about the impact of the insect in the invasive areas.