NISAW 2016 – Tropical Soda Apple

NISAW 2016 – Tropical Soda Apple

Immature TSA fruit are resemble tiny watermelons. Mature fruit turn yellow and contain 40-50 seeds each. Photo credit: UF Hayslip Biological Control Research and Containment Laboratory

Immature TSA fruit are resemble tiny watermelons. Mature fruit turn yellow and contain 40-50 seeds each. Photo credit: UF Hayslip Biological Control Research
and Containment Laboratory

Florida ranchers know Tropical Soda Apple (TSA) as the “Plant from Hell”. It was first noticed in south Florida, but its seeds survive in the digestive tract of animals and it spread north through the movement of hay and cattle. TSA plants are covered with thorns and can make large sections of pasture nearly useless for livestock. Concerted efforts to lessen the population of TSA since its arrival have reduced the populations in pastures but it persists in sheltered or waste locations. Cattle, birds, deer and feral hogs ingest the mature fruits and spread the plants to loafing and browsing areas that may be inaccessible to mechanical treatment with anything larger than a hoe. According to Dr. Jeff Mullahey,  who has been working on TSA since its appearance in south Florida, one plant can produce  40,000-50,000 seeds with seed germination ranging from 75%-100%. The seeds remain viable for at least three years. Be on the lookout for these while engaged in outdoor activities.

 

Isolated plants can be controlled by mechanical means. You won’t want to pull them up barehanded, though. Additional information and control methods are available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw097, or contact your local Extension agent.

The rounded seedling leaf in the foreground has few spines, but all the later leaves do have them. Photo by Jed Dillard

The rounded seedling leaf in the foreground has few spines, but all the later leaves do have them. Photo by Jed Dillard

Invasive Species of the Day (March 8th): Tropical Soda Apple & Alligator Weed

Invasive Species of the Day (March 8th): Tropical Soda Apple & Alligator Weed

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March 8th: Tropical Soda Apple (Solanum viarum) & Alligator Weed (Alternanthera philoxeroide)

Tropical Soda Apple Photo Credit: Jeffrey Mullahey, UF, Bugwood.org

Tropical Soda Apple Photo Credit: Jeffrey Mullahey, UF, Bugwood.org

Tropical Soda Apple: Florida ranchers know Tropical Soda Apple (TSA) as the “Plant from Hell”. The plant is a native of South America. It was first noticed in south Florida, but its seeds survive in the digestive tract of animals and it spread north through the movement of hay and cattle. TSA plants are covered with thorns and can make large sections of pasture nearly useless for livestock. Concerted efforts to lessen the population of TSA since its arrival have reduced the populations in pastures but it persists in sheltered or waste locations. Cattle, birds, deer and feral hogs ingest the mature fruits and spread the plants to loafing and browsing areas that may be inaccessible to mechanical treatment with anything larger than a hoe. According to Dr. Jeff Mullahey,  who has been working on TSA since its appearance in south Florida, one plant can produce  40,000-50,000 seeds with seed germination ranging from 75%-100%. The seeds remain viable for at least three years. Be on the lookout for these while engaged in outdoor activities.

In South Florida, populations of the tropical soda apple leaf beetle (Gratiana boliviana) have had some efficacy as a biological control. However in North Florida the efforts to establish populations of these beetles from TSA’s native habitat have been stymied by their inability to overwinter in our colder temperatures. Although you won’t want to pull them up barehanded, isolated plants can be controlled by mechanical means. Herbicides effective on TSA can be found at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw097, or contact your local Extension agent.

For more information contact the author Jed Dillard, Livestock & Forages Extension Agent by phone at 850-342-0187.

 

 

 

Alligator Weed photo by Vic Ramey courtesy of  UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida

Alligator Weed photo by Vic Ramey courtesy of UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida

Alligator Weed: This highly invasive aquatic weed, which is a native of South America, was first discovered in Florida in 1894 and is believed to have been transmitted through ballast water.  Alligator Weed is usually found as sprawling mats across the surface of water. Although classified aquatic, it can be found along shorelines or dry land.

This plant is a category II invasive and also an aquatic weed. The following information from the Center for Aquatic and Invasive plants, “This species is on the FL DACS Prohibited Aquatic Plant List – 5B-64.011. According to Florida Statute 369.25, No person shall import, transport, cultivate, collect, sell, or possess any noxious aquatic plant listed on the prohibited aquatic plant list established by the department without a permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. See 5B-64.011 for more information.”

There are several biological controls of Alligator Weed, such as the Alligatorweed Flea Beetle. When they attack mats of alligatorweed, the entire mat will begin to turn yellow and eventually turn brown to die. Significant control can be achieved in 3 months once beetles are established.   For more information about this biological control and others, please see the following IFAS extension publication, Alligatorweed flea beetle Agasicles hygrophila https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in831.

Chemical control is also possible with glyphosate, imazapyr and several other products. Always read the label carefully when using any herbicide. For more information please consult Efficacy of Herbicide Active Ingredients Against Aquatic Weeds (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag262).

For more information, contact the author Matt Orwat, Horticulture Extension Agent 850-638-6180.

 

Invasive Species of the Day Series (March 3rd): Tropical Soda Apple & Lionfish

National Invasive Species Awareness Week: March 3rd – March 8th

March 3rd: Tropical Soda Apple (Solanum viarum) & Lionfish (Pterois volitans):

Tropical Soda Apple Photo Credit: Jeffrey Mullahey, UF, Bugwood.org

Tropical Soda Apple Photo Credit: Jeffrey Mullahey, UF, Bugwood.org

Tropical Soda Apple: Florida ranchers know Tropical Soda Apple (TSA) as the “Plant from Hell.” It was first noticed in south Florida, but its seeds survive in the digestive tracts of animals and it spread north through the movement of hay and cattle. TSA plants are covered with thorns and can make large sections of pasture nearly useless for livestock. Concerted efforts to lessen the population of TSA since its arrival have reduced the populations in pastures but it persists in sheltered or waste locations. Cattle, birds, deer and feral hogs ingest the mature fruits and spread the plants to loafing and browsing areas that may be inaccessible to mechanical treatment with anything larger than a hoe. According to Dr. Jeff Mullahey,  who has been working on TSA since its appearance in south Florida, one plant can produce 40,000-50,000 seeds with seed germination ranging from 75%-100%. The seeds remain viable for at least three years. Be on the lookout for these while engaged in outdoor activities.

Isolated plants can be controlled by mechanical means. You won’t want to pull them up barehanded, though. Additional information and control methods are available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw097, or contact your local Extension agent.

For more information contact the author Jed Dillard, Livestock & Forages Extension Agent by phone at 850-342-0187.

Lionfish: The Red Lionfish is a non-native invasive predatory reef fish that has spread throughout Florida waters.  Lionfish are members of the family Scorpaenidae; all members are venomous and the lionfish is no exception.  This fish is relatively small, typically ranging from 12-15 inches in length with a zebra-like appearance and long, showy pectoral fins.  They have a row of long, dorsal spines that contain venom glands.  Their native range is the South Pacific and Indian Oceans and preferred habitat is on offshore reef structures.  These fish are considered to be voracious eaters feeding on native fish, reducing vital native populations, and competing for food with native fish such as grouper and snapper.

Lionfish, Photo Credit: Rebekah D. Wallace, UGA, Bugwood.org

Lionfish, Photo Credit: Rebekah D. Wallace, UGA, Bugwood.org

With few predators, these fish are thriving in Florida waters, even in the northern Gulf of Mexico.  They reproduce often, sometimes all year, with their eggs hatching after about two days.  They also consume a variety of local species, causing 80% decline in reef fish recruitment and loss of some economically important species.  These fish are able to expand their stomachs for large meals and can survive starvation for over 12 weeks. These fish are an invasive species in our local waters and removal is encouraged.  The most effective control of this species is removal by human.  These fish are cryptic and nocturnal so locating them can be tricky.  Spearfishing is the method of choice, since lionfish rarely bite a hook and line.  Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) changed regulations to increase harvesting opportunities.  Such changes include no requirement for a recreational fishing license when using spearing devices (pole spear, a Hawaiian Sling, handheld net, or spearing devices marked for use on lionfish), and no recreational or commercial bag limit, though recreational fishing license is required for other fishing methods.  Check the FWC regulations before fishing or diving for these species.

Lionfish are venomous and must be handled carefully.  Venom glands occur on the dorsal, pelvic and anal spines.  Lionfish sightings should be reported at 877.786.7267.  If stung seek medical attention as soon as possible.  Rarely are stings fatal unless the person has an allergy to the venom.  The Poison Help Hotline can be reached at 800.222.1222.  Sighting information is being collected to track the movement of these species.  Fill out the online report on the USGS website or the REEF website.  Stay up to date on research as it pertains to this species at www.flseagrant.org.

For more information contact the author Brooke Saari, Sea Grant Marine Science Extension Agent, 850-689-5850