Solanum viarum and Gratiana boliviana Production Kenneth Hibbard

Solanum viarum and Gratiana boliviana Production Kenneth Hibbard ~ Biological Scientist III Fort Pierce Farmer’s Market

Areas of TSA Occurrence TSA has spread to other states primarily a result of cattle shipments from Florida. Pennsylvania North Carolina South Carolina Mississippi Tennessee Puerto Rico Alabama Georgia Florida

Field Releases 2003 - 2007

Gratiana Boliviana Releases • • Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total Florida 1825 6087 18900 31636 35974 94422 Alabama Georgia Texas 6100 6600 5250 17950 4225 5300 5250 14775 325

LAND USE (2003 – 2007)

2007 RELEASES

Achievements in 2007 • Increased annual production • Total releases topped 94, 000 in Florida • Releases made in new counties in Florida (5) and in the state of Texas (1) • Total releases topped 127, 000 nationwide • Increased public awareness and acceptance • Increased knowledge of the factors involved in the production of Gratiana

PARASITOIDS SCREEN HOUSE PRODUCTION

Exit Holes

100 X magnification

1000 X magnification

Goals & Objectives For 2008 • Lengthen Production Timeline Less Sensitivity To Photoperiod • Increase Production of Beetles Understand And Control Parasitoids & Predators • Increase Release Areas Nationwide Release in New Counties/ States • Public Outreach – Awareness & Acceptance