New Air Potato Beetle Available!

Invasive Air Potato

The air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) is an invasive vine in Florida, originally hailing from Africa and Asia. It was introduced to Florida in the early 1900s, likely for its ornamental uses. However, the plant quickly became problematic due to its rapid growth and ability to smother native vegetation. Unlike aggressive native plants like Florida’s wild grapes, which coexist with the local ecosystem, the air potato disrupts it by outcompeting native species for resources while providing nothing for our wildlife, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Its dense, sprawling vines create a monoculture that displaces native flora, alters habitats, and negatively impacts wildlife that depends on indigenous plants. The aggressive spread and ecological harm caused by the air potato has made it a significant environmental concern in Florida.

Left, damage from Lilioceris cheni on leaves. Right, damage from Lilioceris egena on air potatoes. Together these two species can hopefully provide a 1-2 knockout punch to invasive air potato. Credit: Jeff Lotz and Rosemary Murray, FDACS-DPI

Biological Control? What is that?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecologically based strategy for managing pests that emphasizes minimizing the use of chemicals. By integrating various control methods, IPM aims to reduce the environmental impact and risks associated with pesticides and herbicides. Biological controls, a key component of IPM, involve the use of natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to combat pest populations. For instance, to manage the invasive air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) in Florida, scientists have introduced natural enemies from the plant’s native range, such as the air potato leaf beetle (Lilioceris cheni). This beetle specifically targets the leaves of the air potato, reducing its vigor and spread without harming native species. Before introducing any biological control, extensive lab and field testing ensures that it does not negatively impact native plants, animals, or ecological services. Using biological controls as a strategy of IPM can provide a sustainable, economical, and effective solution to pest management while safeguarding the environment.

The “Old” Air Potato Leaf Beetles

The air potato leaf beetle (Lilioceris cheni) is a biological control agent introduced to Florida to manage the invasive air potato vine (Dioscorea bulbifera). Originating from Asia, this beetle specifically feeds on the leaves of the air potato, creating characteristic shot-hole damage that significantly weakens the plant by reducing its photosynthetic ability. The air potato leaf beetle was first released in Florida in 2012, following rigorous testing that started in 2002 to ensure it would not harm native species. By 2014, the beetle population had successfully established itself across the state. Currently, the population of Lilioceris cheni in Florida is stable, leading to the cessation of breeding and distribution efforts. The introduction of this beetle has been a crucial step in managing the air potato vine, contributing to the healing of invaded ecosystems.

Adult Air Potato Beetle on Potato
The new Lilioceris egena beetle. Almost indistinguishable besides eating habits. Credit: Jeff Lotz and Rosemary Murray, FDACS-DPI

The “New” Air Potato Beetles

Lilioceris egena, a new biological control agent introduced to Florida, aims to further combat the invasive air potato vine (Dioscorea bulbifera). This beetle, like Lilioceris cheni, originates from Asia and has been identified for its specific affinity for the air potato. Lilioceris egena causes significant damage to the plant by feeding on its famous “potatoes,” otherwise known as bulbils, leading to significant reduction in the spreading of the vine. The introduction of this beetle complements the efforts of Lilioceris cheni, vastly enhancing the overall control strategy against the air potato. The combined impact of both beetle species is hoped to halt the unchecked spread of this invasive plant, thereby protecting Florida’s native ecosystems and biodiversity.

Time for Release!

The breeding program for the new air potato beetle is only ramping up, so we kindly ask that you only request beetles if you have a significant problem in your landscape and neighborhood. On a recent visit to Gainesville, we had the opportunity to explore the air potato beetle operation. We were surprised to find just a few hardworking professionals tasked with breeding these beetles for the entire state utilizing less space than the average home! If you have just a few vines that can be managed by hand, please try to bag and dispose of them instead of requesting beetles. However, if you have choking vines on your property and in your neighborhood, you should request the beetles, as they will thrive and multiply under these conditions. Hopefully within a few years this beetle will be established, and air potato will be a rare sight!

Form to report air potato and request beetles: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Pests-and-Diseases/Plant-Pests-and-Diseases/Biological-Control/Air-Potato-Vine-Biological-Control

Resources

Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process
During the preparation of this work, the author used ChatGPT to help build the blog post. After using this tool/service, the author reviewed and edited the content, and takes full responsibility for the content of the publication.
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Forest Hecker, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Community Educator for Sarasota County's UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Department.Ashley Ellis, Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator in Sarasota County.
Posted: August 1, 2024


Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Invasive Species, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease
Tags: Air Potato, Beetle, Biological, Control, Ecology, IPM, Management, Pgm_Chemicals, Pgm_HortRes, Sustainable


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