Biological Control

J. H. Frank, R. F. Mizell, III

J. H. Frank and J. L. Gillett-Kaufman

Russell F. Mizell III

J. Scoles, J. P. Cuda, W. A. Overholt, and C. R. Minteer

An invasive weed is a nonnative plant that exhibits rapid population growth following its arrival in a new environment where it did not evolve. The success of the weed in its new habitat is due in part to the absence of the natural enemies that normally limit its reproduction and spread in its native range. Classical biological control seeks to reunite an invasive weed with one or more of its co-evolved natural enemies to provide permanent control of the weed. 

Natalia A. Peres, Gary Vallad, Johan Desaeger, Jawwad Qureshi, andSriyanka Lahiri

Chapter 19 of the Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida

Lionel A. Stange

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Xavier Martini andHugh A. Smith

This publication aims to help readers identify the most common beneficial insects and invertebrates found in Florida gardens and promote their populations to minimize the use of insecticides. Written by Xavier Martini and Hugh A. Smith, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology, revised June 2025.

W. A. Overholt, R. D. Cave, P. D. Pratt, P. C. Lake, and J. C. Scoles

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s). This document provides a comprehensive overview of the American serpentine leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii. It covers the insect's life cycle, physical characteristics, and ecological impact, particularly its role as a pest in greenhouses and vegetable crops. The article details its host plants, damage caused by leaf mining, and natural enemies, including parasitoids. Management strategies such as sampling, insecticides, biological control, and cultural practices are discussed to mitigate its impact. The document is part of the UF/IFAS Extension's Featured Creatures collection, aimed at both laypersons and academic audiences interested in entomology. First published: July 2004.