Florida brought in Brazilian pepper as an ornamental shrub; it later infested over 700,000 acres and became one of the state’s worst invasive plants
Brazilian pepper reached Florida in the 1840s as a garden shrub. It now infests over 700,000 acres, and scientists are testing thrips to fight it.
In Florida, the Brazilian peppertree, a shrub with bright red berries, was once a popular ornamental plant. Introduced from Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina in the 1840s, the tree quickly spread, becoming one of the state's most invasive species. The USDA Agricultural Research Service estimates that the invasive shrub has taken over over 700,000 acres of Florida, crowding out native vegetation and forming dense thickets.
This growth creates a poor habitat for native species and endangers plants and animals, including some listed as endangered. The Brazilian peppertree is also toxic to wildlife when consumed and can cause allergic reactions in humans due to its pollen and sap. To combat this invasive species, researchers have found a potential biological control agent: Brazilian peppertree thrips.
These thrips, native to South America, feed only on the peppertree's leaves and stem tips, slowing its growth and reducing fruit production. Since their release in 2019, thrips have been found at up to 60% of surveyed sites, suggesting they can form self-sustaining populations. While thrips are a promising option as part of a broader strategy to control the Brazilian peppertree, researchers are continuing to monitor their effectiveness.
This story serves as a reminder of how seemingly innocuous plant choices can lead to significant ecological issues that require long-term solutions.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times - World News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
