Bureau Chief: Dr. Trevor Smith, Trevor.Smith@freshfromflorida.com |
 |
Biocontrol Rearing Facility
Biological Administrator: George Schneider George.Schneider@freshfromflorida.com
The Biological Control Rearing Facility, located in Gainesville, Florida, was completed in June 1987 for approximately $1.25 million, originally for rearing Caribbean Fruit Fly (Anastrepha suspensa) to conduct sterile release research programs and to provide insects for other research projects. The building has about 15,000 sq. ft. available for rearing, quality control, shipping and techniques development. One side of the facility was constructed with movable walls, so that it could be adapted for rearing other insects. A number of trailers are located nearby for additional rearing and chemical control studies.
Citrus root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus, was brought to the facility in February 2000 to provide universities, state agencies and private companies, who are interested in conducting research in biological and chemical controls of this pest, with a constant supply of the appropriate stage needed.
In cooperation with the USDA, a phorid fly, Pseudacteon tricuspis, a natural enemy of the imported fire ant, Solanopsis invicta, was added to the biological control arsenal in late 2001. It is hoped that these flies will become established throughout the southern US and Puerto Rico in 3-5 years to reduce the vast numbers of these fire ants in the region.
