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INTRODUCTION
In
1989,
the Mexican bromeliad weevil, Metamasius
callizona
(Chevrolat), was
found established on native bromeliad
populations in Florida (Frank
and Thomas 1994; Frank
and Cave 2005). Since then, the weevil has spread
throughout central and southern Florida and, along the way, has caused
great destruction to bromeliad populations (Cooper
2006, 2009, 2014). An attempt was made to use
a
biological
control agent (a tachinid fly, Lixadmontia
franki Wood and Cave; Wood
and Cave 2006) to control the weevil (Cooper et al. 2011), but
was not
successful. While
searching for alternative biological
control agents, a giant airplant (Tillandsia
utriculata
L.) population
was discovered in Belize
that lives
with the Mexican bromeliad weevil, without suffering damage from the
weevil, such as the
Florida
form of the giant airplant suffers. Studies
are now in progress to
understand why the Belize form of the giant airplant is resistant to
the weevil and to see whether that resistance can be bred into the
Florida
form of the giant airplant. However,
this
new line of study will require years of research in the
laboratory and
then in the field before there are results. Meanwhile,
the bromeliads
are being
killed by the weevil and something must be done to protect these
plants. A method has been designed to provide
a means for conserving Florida’s native airplants while we
continue searching
for a solution to the weevil. This method was
developed while working with volunteers at the Enchanted
Forest Sanctuary (Titusville, Brevard
County), as well as with land
managers, volunteers,
and scientists in
parks, refuges, sanctuaries, preserves, and other natural areas
throughout central and southern Florida.
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The Mexican bromeliad weevil, Metamasius callizona.
Volunteer rescuing a giant airplant.
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