Asian carp seize La. waters Research abates termite takeover Holding invasive species at bay

44 Pages·2010·7.66 MB·English

Asian carp seize La. waters
Research abates termite takeover
Holding invasive species at bay
Louisiana Agriculture, Fall 2010 1
The value of earmarks
EDITORIAL BOARD:
For the past few months, the institutions of higher education in Louisiana,
David J. Boethel (Chairman)
including the LSU AgCenter, have been under the threat of deep budget cuts as
Linda Foster Benedict
high as 32 percent. Such severe cuts would be catastrophic. The current word, Rick Bogren
however, is that a 32 percent cut is not likely to materialize, according to LSU Barbara Groves Corns
AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson. He is working closely with the Board of Jack Losso
Regents and the governor’s office to ascertain the funding levels for the AgCenter Boyd Padgett
D. Allen Rutherford
and higher education. He says many factors are at play to minimize the impact of
Cristina M. Sabliov
the state budget deficit expected for the 2011-12 fiscal year on higher education
Guillermo Scaglia
and health care.
Eric Webster
What is certain, though, is there will be cuts in state funding. And no matter
what size, they will cause pain. The pending budget reduction comes on top of a EDITOR: Linda Foster Benedict
steady stream of cuts since 2008, which have reduced the state appropriation to ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Rick Bogren
the AgCenter by 16 percent and caused the loss of more than 200 positions. The DESIGNER: Barbara Groves Corns
AgCenter stands today operating at bare bones without a tuition model to soften PHOTO EDITOR: John Wozniak
the effects. CONTRIBUTORS: Randy LaBauve, Johnny
Funds immensely helpful to the AgCenter are the so-called federal “ear- Morgan, Bruce Schultz and Mary Ann Van
marks.” These are noncompetitive grants that provide sustained funding for proj- Osdell
ects that benefit individual states. These earmarked funds are currently under fire WEB DESIGN: Ronda Clark, Kathy Kramer and
by the current Congress eager to reduce the federal deficit. Megan Smith
Here are some highlights of what earmarks have done and do for Louisiana.
The production of wetland plants for coastal restoration. Unfortunately, Louisiana Agriculture is published quarterly by
the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station.
plant varieties that are salt-tolerant and have prodigious root systems that grasp
Subscriptions are free. You may also subscribe
onto land in marshes and beaches do not propagate well. AgCenter researchers
to a Web version of the magazine, which is
are developing varieties of plants that can proliferate more rapidly. This plant available at www.LSUAgCenter.com. Please go
production effort will help save the Louisiana coast. to the “Louisiana Agriculture Magazine” site if
The development of conservation tillage practices in farming. Research- you would like to receive an e-mail notifica-
ers have developed and extension agents have taught best management practices tion when a new issue is online. For more
so farmers can grow their crops and raise their livestock in ways that will stem information or to subscribe, please contact:
Linda Foster Benedict, Editor
soil erosion and improve water quality.
Louisiana Agriculture
The establishment of the Master Farmer program. This joint program
P.O. Box 25100
grew out of the need for increased voluntary adoption of environmental stew- Baton Rouge, LA 70894-5100
ardship best management practices for farm and ranch lands. The program has tel [phone]
gained nationwide attention and has been copied by other states. Farmers who fax [phone]
learn and adopt BMPs gain Master Farmer certification from the Louisiana De- [email protected]
partment of Agriculture and Forestry. The other partners in the project are the
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Louisiana Farm Bureau and the Louisi-
ana Cattlemen's Association.
The expansion of the crawfish industry. No other state grows the qual-
ity and quantity of crawfish Louisiana does. That’s because of the AgCenter’s
research and extension program, which enables the crawfish industry to improve www.LSUAgCenter.com
and expand. A viable crawfish industry benefits the state’s economic develop-
ment. Earmarked funds go into our aquaculture research program.
William B. Richardson, Chancellor
The control of the Formosan subterranean termite in New Orleans. Four
of the articles in this issue of Louisiana Agriculture tell about the success of the David J. Boethel, Vice Chancellor
and Director of Research
Operation Full Stop program in New Orleans. This invasive termite was destroy-
ing the historic French Quarter before the AgCenter in partnership with the U.S. Paul D. Coreil, Vice Chancellor
and Director of Extension
Department of Agriculture and the New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control
Board developed an areawide management effort. The LSU AgCenter is a statewide campus of the
The federal earmarks are being portrayed as pure “pork” that benefits only LSU System and provides equal opportunities
in programs and employment.
a narrow group of people. But in Louisiana they have provided funding for dis-
coveries and programs that have helped a broad swath of Americans. Eradicating The mention of a pesticide or use of a trade name for
earmarks will have a negligible effect on the federal deficit. This year, earmarks any product is intended only as a report of research and
does not constitute an endorsement or recommenda-
make up less than 1 percent of federal discretionary spending, which is nearly
tion by the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station,
$1.4 trillion. But their elimination would be one more blow to the LSU AgCenter nor does it imply that a mentioned product is superior
and its services to Louisiana. Linda Foster Benedict to other products of a similar nature not mentioned.
Uses of pesticides discussed here have not necessarily
been approved by governmental regulatory agencies.
Information on approved uses normally appears on the
manufacturer’s label.
22 LLoouuiissiiaannaa AAggrriiccuullttuurree,, FFaallll 22001100
8

15
2 The value of earmarks
Linda Foster Benedict
4 What's New?
8 On Guard for Invasive Species
Natalie A. Hummel, Krishna Paudel, Craig Roussel, Tad Hardy and William Spitzer
13 Uwelcome Guest for Dinner - Asian Carp
Julie Anderson, Michael D. Kaller and R. Glenn Thomas
15 Eat Asian Carp: Help rid Louisiana of this invasive species
by consuming it
Randy LaBauve
16 Invasive Feral Swine in Louisiana
Michael D. Kaller and Don Reed
20 Management of the Invasive Formosan Subterranean Termite
in the New Orleans French Quarter
Dennis R. Ring, Alan Morgan, Frank S. Guillot, Alan R. Lax and Charles McCown
22 Under Attack by Termites
Gregg Henderson
24 Economics of Formosan Subterranean Termite Control Options
in Louisiana
Krishna P Paudel, Mahesh Pandit and Michael A Dunn
25 Using DNA profiling to assess the success of controlling Formosan
subterranean termites in the New Orleans French Quarter
Claudia Husseneder and Frank Guillot
27 Apple snails pose threat to Louisiana’s rice industry
Don Reed
28 Nutria - More Than a Nuisance
25 Brian D. LeBlanc
29 Zombie Fire Ants: Biological Control of the Red Imported Fire Ant
in Louisiana with Decapitating Phorid Flies
Seth Johnson, Don Henne, Anna Mészáros and Lee Eisenberg
32 Balancing Benefits and Damage from Fire Ants in Pastures
Lane D. Foil, Linda Hooper-Bui, Deanna Colby, Glen Gentry, William “Van” Hilbun,
28
Claudia Husseneder, Lacy M. Inmon and Seth Johnson
34 Invasive Aquatic Weeds in Louisiana
Dearl Sanders, Seth Johnson and Bill Kelso
38 Chinese Privet: A Biological Invader in Louisiana's Forests
Hallie Dozier and Metha Klock
39 Plant invaders pose problems in state
Mary Ann Van Osdell
40 Advanced Management Research and the Mexican Rice Borer
T. Eugene Reagan, Julien Beuzelin, Blake Wilson, Allan Showler and M.O. Way
34 42 Invasive insects and diseases threaten Louisiana citrus
Natalie A. Hummel, Donald M. Ferrin and James Boudreaux
ON THE COVER: Fisherman Rusty Kimball caught this Asian
carp near Butte LaRose. Read more about Asian carp starting
on page 12. Photo by Bruce Schultz.
LLoouuiissiiaannaa AAggrriiccuullttuurree,, FFaallll 22001100 33
What’s New?

of lakes Des Allemands, Salvador, Cata-
?
3 new rice varieties ready for 2011 watche and others so that the plants
now cover hundreds of acres of what had
w
The LSU AgCenter has released three new varieties of rice. The varieties include been clear, brackish waters.
a new medium-grain, a long-grain Clearfield and an aromatic Jasmine-type. Seed “Unless this is reversed, we may lose
from the three releases will provide limited seed production in 2011. these lakes – or parts of them – like we
e
The medium-grain variety has been named Caffey, to recognize the work of have lost lakes Boeuf and Henderson,”
Rouse Caffey, retired LSU AgCenter chancellor who had been a director of the Rice Sanders said. “I have discussed this with
N
Research Station. the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries,
Steve Linscombe, director of the station and a rice breeder, said this medium- and they, too, are aware of the problem.”
grain variety has consistently out-yielded Neptune and Jupiter varieties in testing for Rick Bogren
the past three years. Its
Photo by Bruce Schultz
s grain is bolder and sim-
ilar to Calrose, a qual- Friend of Extension
’
ity preferred by many
Award goes to Angelle
t end users.
a The new Clearfield
Scott Angelle, secretary of the Lou-
variety has been desig-
isiana Department of Natural Resourc-
h nated CL152. Its grain
es (DNR) and former Louisiana lieutenant
quality is superior to
governor, has received the national Ep-
W CL151, and it has more
silon Sigma Phi (ESP) Friend of Extension
resistance to lodging –
Award for his support and promotion of
or falling over – and to
the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H program.
straighthead and blast
This national ESP honor goes to a
diseases, according to
nonextension individual, business or or-
Linscombe, who devel-
ganization to recognize truly outstanding
oped this variety.
support and personal involvement in ex-
The new aromat-
tension efforts, said Diane Sasser, profes-
ic variety has been
sor of human ecology and awards chair-
named Jazzman II.
man of ESP’s Alpha Alpha Chapter in the
It has increased aro-
AgCenter.
ma compared with its
From his early years of public service
predecessor Jazzman,
as president of a parish policy jury to lieu-
which was released
Xueyan Sha, rice breeder at the Rice Research Station, is tenant governor and twice secretary of
last year to compete
responsible for the development of both versions of Jazzman rice. DNR, Angelle carries with him an appreci-
with imports of Jas-
ation for Louisiana 4-H, Sasser said.
mine rice from Thailand, according to Xueyan Sha, the LSU AgCenter rice breeder re-
At 30, Angelle was elected presi-
sponsible for both versions of Jazzman. Bruce Schultz
dent of the St. Martin Parish Police Jury,
making him the youngest person in par-
ish history to hold that title. It was at
Freshwater plants the AgCenter’s program to control invasive that time Angelle began his involvement
plants in Louisiana’s freshwater lakes, rivers with the Extension Service and 4-H, Sass-
invade Louisiana coast
and bayous. er said.
What was normally brackish water be- Angelle developed a special affinity
An unintended consequence of the
came fresh as a result of the diversions, for the 4-H program and its efforts in wet-
Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which oc-
which kept the oil at bay, Sanders said. But lands protection and conservation, Sass-
curred on April 20, 2010, has been the ex-
that apparently has allowed normally fresh- er said.
pansion of invasive freshwater plants into
water plants to move south 20 miles farther During his first stint as secretary of
the intertidal zone along Louisiana’s Gulf
than normal. DNR, Angelle was instrumental in secur-
Coast.
This year, the Corps ran the Davis Pond ing funds to initiate the 4-H Youth Wet-
“In the course of my regular salvinia
Diversion at maximum or near maximum lands Program. A three-year grant of
survey work, I have noted and document-
capacity from May until September, a time $500,000 a year provides opportunities
ed to the Louisiana Department of Wild-
that it usually operates at minimum to low for 4-H’ers throughout Louisiana to learn
life and Fisheries a huge environmental
capacity, Sanders said. firsthand about conserving Louisiana’s
change,” said Dearl Sanders, LSU AgCen-
“An explosion of freshwater invasive coast and becoming good stewards of
ter weed scientist.
plants has occurred,” he said. “Hydrilla, sal- the state’s natural resources.
To keep the oil at bay, the U.S. Army
vinia and water hyacinth have taken over Angelle saw the promise of 4-H
Corps of Engineers has operated the
areas where minimal saltwater levels have youth and how they could extend DNR’s
freshwater diversions at maximum ca-
kept them in check for decades.” work through being good citizens and
pacity since shortly after the spill, said
For example, Sanders has documented conservators of Louisiana, Sasser said.
Sanders, who has been instrumental in
the movement of hydrilla from the fringes Mary Ann Van Osdell
44 LLoouuiissiiaannaa AAggrriiccuullttuurree,, FFaallll 22001100
What’s New?
W
LSU AgCenter receives Plant Health Inspection Service to support The insect was first found in Louisi-
the AgCenter’s involvement in the nation- ana in December 2008 north of Vinton.
$1.26 million
al Citrus Clean Plant Network. The research On Nov. 22, 2010, four male adults
h
will be conducted by Don Ferrin, plant were found in a pheromone trap about
in federal grants
pathologist. six miles southwest of Sulphur, according
The LSU AgCenter has received – $424,000 from the National Science to Gene Reagan, LSU AgCenter entomol- a
grants totaling nearly $1.26 million dur- Foundation to support developing a da- ogist. Chris Carlton, director of the Louisi-
ing the past few months. tabase and image library at the Louisiana ana State Arthropod Museum, confirmed t
“These grants are examples of the State Arthropod Museum. Victoria Bayless, that these trap catches were Mexican rice ’
type of funds and the importance of the curator, and Chris Carlton, director of the ar- borers. s
research our faculty members undertake,” thropod museum, will produce an online “This trap location is adjacent to a
said Chancellor Bill Richardson. “They also database of entomological diversity that will grassy area where no crops are grown,
indicate how the state’s investment in the serve as a taxonomic identification tool use- and it is within 15 to 18 miles of com- N
LSU AgCenter can be leveraged into ad- ful throughout the South. mercial sugarcane fields south of Lake
ditional funds that benefit the state of – $21,350 from the U.S. Department of Charles,” Reagan said.
Louisiana.” Agriculture’s Farmers Market Promotion Pro- Reagan’s graduate student, Julien e
The recent grants include: gram to support a one-day conference for Beuzelin, said the traps are set out by the
– $117,400 for three grants from farmers markets in Louisiana. The grant will Louisiana Department of Agriculture and w
the Louisiana Department of Agricul- enhance and broaden the skills and infor- Forestry. “Without their work, it would
ture and Forestry as part of a U.S. De- mation network of market managers and have not been possible to detect this in-
partment of Agriculture program to sup- key vendors at Louisiana farmers markets, sect’s movement,” Beuzelin said. ?
port research in specialty crops, which in- said Carl Motsenbocker, horticulturist. LSU He said the LDAF had planned to
clude fruits, vegetables, nuts and nursery AgCenter economist Roger Hinson is assist- end the monitoring program in early De-
and horticultural crops. Pecan scab dis- ing with this project. cember, but after the Nov. 22 samples
ease research received a two-year grant – $79,000 is the AgCenter’s share of a were found, the department has decided
for $22,400 to study a new control for the grant to study dispersant toxicity to organ- to continue the program into the spring.
disease. It will be conducted by Charlie isms critical to the ecosystem of the Gulf of Beuzelin said the discovery is a reli-
Graham, a plant physiologist at the Pecan Mexico. The funding comes from the Na- able indicator that the pest is continuing
Research and Extension Station in Shreve- tional Science Foundcation. Other partici- to move eastward in Louisiana.
port. Sweet potato weed management pants include Modular Genetics Inc., Colum- “Since first being found in south Tex-
options in commercial sweet potato pro- bia University and Iowa State University. The as in 1980, they have consistently ex-
duction are being funded by a three-year grant supports work on the production and panded their range along the Gulf Coast,”
grant for $67,000. The research will be testing of biodispersants that might be used Beuzelin said.
conducted by Donnie Miller, weed scien- to replace the chemical dispersants used In 2006, the Mexican rice borer
tist, and Tara Smith, sweet potato special- for oil spill management, according to Andy was found in east Texas just one coun-
ist. Youth outreach programs received a Nyman in the School of Renewable Natural ty away from Louisiana, and it was antici-
two-year grant for $28,000 to education- Resources. Rick Bogren pated that it would be found in Louisiana
al materials for children intended to in- in 2008. Only two weeks before the end
crease their awareness of agriculture, par- of 2008, borers showed up in two phero-
Mexican rice borer
ticularly specialty crops. Frankie Gould, mone traps five miles apart on the Louisi-
communications director, will oversee extends reach ana-Texas line north of Vinton.
production of these materials. A 2007 study by LSU and Texas A&M
– $600,000 from the National Sci- into Louisiana projected an annual $45 million loss of
ence Foundation to make upgrades in revenue for Louisiana rice farmers once
the biotechnology laboratories in Har- The Mexican rice borer, a threat to sug- the entire state is infested.
ry D. Wilson Laboratory building on the arcane and rice, has moved eastward from The estimated damage for sugar-
LSU campus. This grant is from a $300 mil- Texas extending farther into Louisiana. cane is projected at up to $220 million
lion fund of federal stimulus dollars called Photo by Anna Mészáros
the Academic Research Infrastructure Pro-
gram Recovery and Reinvestment being
distributed to research institutions across
the country to enhance their capacity to
conduct research, according to John Rus-
sin, associate vice chancellor of the LSU
AgCenter.
– $13,750 from the USDA to screen
for one year the AgCenter citrus vari-
ety collection for several potentially de-
structive diseases. The grant was award-
ed by the USDA’s Plant Protection and
Quarantine program in the Animal and The Mexican rice borer moth rests on Johnsongrass foliage.
LLoouuiissiiaannaa AAggrriiccuullttuurree,, FFaallll 22001100 55
What’s New?

in the next few years. Mexican rice bor- energy and water usage, and generating The website starts by asking users to
?
ers are not obvious pests in rice until less greenhouse gas. The company also will identify the location of visible damage,
the crop is in the boot stage. But by the apply sustainability principles to other key then lists descriptions of different types
w
time it is found within rice plants, Reagan cereal ingredients, including corn, wheat of damage with photographs to illustrate
said, studies with Texas colleagues show and palm oil. Bruce Schultz the feeding signs so the user can identify
that the population jumps rapidly. Rea- the likely culprit.
e
gan said that prompted the question to For example, feeding on the low-
Rice insect guide
arise regarding the pest’s overwintering er part of the plant brings the user to the
N
habitat. now online options of feeding signs on the leaf blade
Between growing seasons, the insect or another part of the plant. If the feed-
is found in high numbers in grasses such Solving the whodunit mystery of insect ing is on the surface of the leaf blade,

as Johnsongrass and vaseygrass. damage in a rice crop will be easier with a the next step is to choose between the
s Once the insect bores into sugar- new online program developed by the LSU first option of feeding on “narrow strips
’cane, insecticides don’t work well be- AgCenter. of leaf material removed between veins”
cause the cavity created by the borer is Using the process is as easy as playing or “other type of feeding damage or leaf
t
filled with chewed plant material, frass, the board game “Clue” because it uses a sim- dehydration.”
ablocking a chemical’s entry, he said. ple process of elimination, according to LSU The first option would identify the
Insecticides work better on the pest AgCenter experts. But instead of guessing suspect as Public Enemy No. 1 in rice
hin rice, Reagan said. However, three appli- if the perpetrator was Col. Mustard armed farming, the notorious rice water wee-
cations may be required in some east Tex- with a lead pipe, the usual suspects will be vil, or the lesser-known rice leaf miner.
Was areas. arthropods (insects and mites) such as the The second choice, “Other type of feeding
A new seed treatment, Dermacor, ap- rice water weevil, billbug, chinch bug or spi- damage or leaf dehydration,” asks the user
pears to help control the pest in rice. Orig- der mites. to further identify the damage, choosing
inally, Dermacor was developed as a seed The program originated from a conver- between broken leaf tips, which could be
treatment for drill-seeded rice against the sation with Evangeline Parish farmer Rich- caused by the Southern green stinkbug,
rice water weevil. Bruce Schultz ard Fontenot, said LSU AgCenter entomol- or dehydrated leaf tips, which is probably
ogist Natalie Hummel. “The whole project the work of aphids.
was his idea.” “At the final step, you will see a pic-
Rice farming Anyone with access to the Internet ture of the arthropod and some informa-
through a smart phone can get to the guide tion about scouting and management,”
sustainability program in the field and through process of elimina- Hummel said. The guide also has links to
tion, click on a list of symptoms and narrow videos that show how scouting should be
starts
down the pest and suggested treatments. done for rice water weevils and colaspis, a
“It doesn’t require you to be an ento- small beetle. Bruce Schultz
The Kellogg Company of Battle
mologist to use it,” Hummel said.
Creek, Mich., recently announced a part-
nership with the LSU AgCenter to devel- Photo by Bruce Schultz
op a sustainability program for Louisiana
rice producers who grow rice for Kellogg’s
products.
The program will rely on expertise
within the LSU AgCenter and with Loui-
siana rice millers to help develop a mas-
ter grower program that focuses on en-
vironmentally sound and profitable rice
production, according to Diane Holdorf,
Kellogg vice president of environmental
stewardship.
The program will be based on the
AgCenter’s Master Farmer program, said
Steve Linscombe, director of the LSU Ag-
Center Rice Research Station and rice
breeder.
“The ultimate goal of the program
will be to ensure this rice is produced in
a sustainable and profitable manner,” Lin-
scombe said.
Kellogg has become concerned
about sustainability within its own cor-
porate operations, as well as its suppliers,
Holdorf said. The company has set a series
Natalie Hummel, extension rice entomologist, shows an example of a rice insect pest, the colaspis
of goals of waste reduction, decreased beetle.
66 LLoouuiissiiaannaa AAggrriiccuullttuurree,, FFaallll 22001100
What’s New?
W
Officials thank LSU quality ingredients. The northeast Louisiana initiative by the Louisiana Office of Coast-
region has the best sweet potato products al Protection and Restoration, Tassin said.
AgCenter at sweet
in the world.” It’s designed to heighten students’ aware-
h
Gary Rodkin, president and CEO of ness of Louisiana’s wetland loss.
potato plant opening
ConAgra, said he appreciated everyone who Louisiana 4-H provides participating
Gov. Bobby Jindal, state legislators played a role in the opening, including the teachers with lessons and activities at no a
and ConAgra Food officials thanked the LSU AgCenter. cost, said Ashley Mullens, youth wetlands
LSU AgCenter during the Nov. 5 grand “This is sweet potato country, the per- program manager. t
opening of ConAgra’s new sweet potato fect place to extend our leadership in sweet Teachers present the lessons ’
processing plant near Delhi. potatoes,” Rodkin said. throughout the academic year, and the s
Amid a sea of orange-clad ConAgra Louisiana has about 13,000 acres in program culminates during Youth Wet-
employees, state Sen. Francis Thompson sweet potato production, and this will grow lands Week, which is in April, Mullens
quoted Jackie Gleason with “How sweet over the next few years. said. The program curriculum is endorsed N
it is.” Mary Ann Van Osdell by the Louisiana Science Teachers Associ-
ConAgra’s Lamb Weston division, ation, and lessons are designed to follow
which is based in Washington state, built Louisiana’s Grade Level Expectations. Stu-e
Youth Wetlands program
the state-of-the-art facility in northeast dents complete pre- and post-tests, and
Louisiana to take advantage of Louisiana’s wins national award the results reflect increased knowledge of w
bountiful sweet potato crop. main science concepts.
Company officials said they chose An LSU AgCenter 4-H program has During the summer, 4-H offers four
the location to be in close collaboration been chosen for a national award by the U.S. camps that use the program curriculum ?
with the researchers and extension spe- Fish and Wildlife Service. and provide wetland-related, hands-on
cialists at the nearby LSU AgCenter Sweet The Youth Wetlands education and learning activities. Rick Bogren
Potato Research Station in Chase, which outreach program
is the only facility of its kind in the Unit- was selected to re- Photo by Bruce Schultz
ed States. ceive the U.S. Fish
Lamb Weston markets frozen sweet and Wildlife-4-H
potato products – wedges, puffs, mashed 2011 Connect-
– to restaurants through its Sweet Things ing Youth with Na-
brand and to grocery stores through its ture Through Natu-
Alexia brand. It operates frozen-food pro- ral Resources Con-
cessing plants in the Pacific Northwest, servation Education
Minnesota and Canada. Award.
Jindal said the plant had a capital in- The award con-
vestment of $156 million and provided sists of a $10,000
275 direct jobs and 780 indirect jobs. A grant to the LSU Ag-
second phase will be completed by 2014. Center 4-H Youth
“This is a great win for the workers Development De-
and farmers,” he said, adding that he looks partment plus trav-
forward to eating the sweet potato fries el for five program
the plant will process. representatives to
“The acknowledgement that the attend an awards
Sweet Potato Research Station contrib- reception at the
uted to the decision of ConAgra’s Lamb North American
Weston to locate in Louisiana is an exam- Wildlife and Natu-
ple of an institution of higher education – ral Resource Con-
the LSU AgCenter – fueling economic de- ference March 16,
velopment in our state,” said David Boeth- 2011, in Kansas City,
el, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor. Mo.
“Gov. Jindal, in his remarks, indicated “We’re thrilled
we needed to develop more value-added to receive this rec-
products from our raw materials,” Boethel ognition,” said Mark
said. “Certainly, this processing plant will Tassin, state director
do that for the sweet potato industry.” of 4-H. “It’s a testa-
Boethel said LSU AgCenter research ment to the strong
and extension scientists working on work of a whole lot
sweet potatoes have achieved worldwide of people.”
recognition. “I want to thank the LSU Ag- The Youth Wet-
Center researchers and all of our ag part- lands Education
ners,” said Jeff DeLapp, president of Lamb and Outreach pro-
Students at Meaux Elementary School in Vermilion Parish build a wood
Weston. “Great quality food requires great gram is a statewide duck nesting box as part of Youth Wetlands Week activities.
LLoouuiissiiaannaa AAggrriiccuullttuurree,, FFaallll 22001100 77
OVERVIEW
On Guard for Invasive Species
Natalie A. Hummel, Krishna Paudel, Craig Roussel, Tad Hardy and William Spitzer
L
ouisiana is a beautiful state with For this issue of Louisiana Agri- ample, is estimated to exceed $1 billion
a unique blend of cultures and habi- culture, we define invasive species as per year in the United States with the
tats. Positioned on the Gulf of Mexico any non-native species that has entered portion accrued in Louisiana alone ex-
and at the mouth of the Mississippi Riv- and spread aggressively causing dam- ceeding $500 million per year. AgCenter
er, the state benefits economically from age to agricultural production, human economists have completed an extensive
international trade and interstate com- habitation, forestland, wetlands or native cost analysis of control choice options in
merce. Unfortunately, these factors also species. Although not all non-native spe- Louisiana. For the past 20 years, AgCen-
make the state vulnerable to invasive spe- cies are invasive, those that are cause an ter researchers have used traps to moni-
cies introductions. The spread of invasive estimated $120 billion in damage in the tor Formosan termite populations in the
species threatens economic and ecologi- United States each year. In a 2009 U.S. French Quarter and greater New Orleans
cal stability by decreasing biodiversity, Department of Agriculture report ranking area. Within the past few years, AgCen-
displacing native species and increasing the relative risk exotic pests pose to the ter researchers have begun using DNA
agricultural production costs. 50 states, Louisiana was ranked ninth. profiling to monitor individual colonies,
Within the past 12 years alone, 33 new which are genetically distinct from each
invasive plant pest species have been de- other. The data generated by monitoring
tected in Louisiana. Realizing the threats through trapping and DNA techniques
to the Louisiana economy and ecosys- have been used to garner federal fund-
tem, LSU AgCenter scientists conduct ing for a project known as Operation Full
research and extension programs aimed Stop. Because of this project, Formosan
Natalie A. Hummel, Assistant Professor, De- at prevention, control and eradication of termite numbers in New Orleans have
partment of Entomology, LSU AgCenter, Baton
invasive species. been significantly reduced.
Rouge, La.; Krishna Paudel, Associate Professor,
Another economically important
Department of Agricultural Economics & Agri- Economic Impact
business, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, La.; Craig The economic impact of invasive invasive species – the red imported fire
Roussel and Tad Hardy, Louisiana Department of ant – was discovered in Louisiana in the
species is difficult to calculate but is
Agriculture and Forestry; William Spitzer, U.S. 1950s. These ants infest lawns and pas-
Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health significant. The damage caused by the
tures and can attack humans and live-
Inspection Service, Baton Rouge, La. Formosan subterranean termite, for ex-
Photo by Natalie Hummel Photo by Michael A. Seymour Photo by John Chaney
A queen fire ant is protected and groomed by
workers.
Once infected with citrus greening disease, a LSU AgCenter scientists have begun using DNA
citrus tree is lost. There is no cure. profiling to identify the movement and growth of
Formosan subterranean termite colonies.
8 Louisiana Agriculture, Fall 2010
Photo by Bruce Schultz
stock resulting in death in some cases. The waterways of Louisiana are
AgCenter researchers are developing threatened by the Asian carp. This fish
sustainable control methods. One such causes harm not only to the environment
approach is the release of parasitic flies and other fish, but also injury to property
as a biological control agent, which is and people with its tendency to leap from
proving to reduce populations of fire ants the water and hit boats.
to manageable levels.
Regulatory Efforts
Recently, the stability of the citrus
As soon as an invasive species is
fruit and nursery tree production indus-
discovered, the LSU AgCenter works
tries has been threatened by the introduc-
closely with state and federal regula-
tion of many invasive insects and dis-
tory agencies. As a rule, port inspection
eases. The value of the Louisiana citrus
authority for invasive pests lies with the
industry is estimated at $10 million an-
federal government through the USDA
nually. AgCenter scientists have worked
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Ser-
with state and federal agencies to rapidly
vice (APHIS). State activities are accom-
respond to these detections. They have
plished by LDAF Plant Quarantine Pro-
developed educational materials and pro-
grams. The AgCenter supports regulatory
vided management recommendations in
efforts through education programs
response to invasive species detections.
The response to discovery of an in-
Without these interventions, Louisiana’s
vasive species involves prevention and
citrus industry could face extinction.
preparedness. Strategies for prevention
The sugarcane and rice industries
include monitoring and control activi-
are under threat of infestation by the
ties carried out in foreign countries, at
Mexican rice borer. Once established, The Asian carp is here to stay in Louisiana waters,
U.S. ports of entry and within the United
this pest may cost Louisiana sugarcane and about the only way to get rid of it is to eat it.
States. The USDA inspects imported
Though it has a complex bone structure and is
producers $220 million and rice produc-
shipments and monitors for federal pests more difficult to filet, it is an excellent-eating fish.
ers $45 million in the first few years.
of concern. LDAF conducts pest surveys
AgCenter scientists have been working
and inspections on many commodities
cooperatively with Texas scientists to
statewide, facilitating early pest detec- adversely affected with the introduction
stem the movement of the borer and buy
tion and pest-free certification for export of a new pest into a major commodity
time to develop effective management
to other states or countries. Commodities such as rice.
and control methods. This cooperative
may include nursery stock, grains, citrus, State response to invasive species
program resulted in early detection of
sweet potatoes, sugarcane, honeybees may be separated into two categories,
this pest in December 2008 by Louisiana
and forest products. Agricultural equip- routine and targeted. Routine response
Department of Agriculture and Forestry
ment also may be included. consists of ongoing surveillance at sites
(LDAF) specialists.
One important prevention strategy is with regulated materials, such as plant
Animal species that have invaded
an analysis of the characteristics of the nurseries. The goal of routine survey
Louisiana include the feral hog, which
plant or animal species
has recently begun to cause major dam-
to develop a cost-sen-
age to agricultural and forestland. Na- Photo by Johnny Morgan
sitive decision sup-
tionwide, the damage is believed to
port tool. The decision
exceed $1.5 billion annually. In 2008,
support tool helps to
AgCenter and LDAF scientists surveyed
identify effective con-
landowners to obtain an estimate of the
trol strategies against
severity of feral hog infestations. Eighty
introduced invasive
percent of survey respondents in 50
species. LSU AgCenter
parishes reported the presence of feral
faculty assist regulatory
hogs with 95 percent reporting damage
agencies when they are
to property, crops or forests. AgCenter
developing these tools.
scientists also have measured the impact
Preparation ac-
of feral hogs in aquatic environments and
tivities may include
have found that they are responsible for
development of a risk
introducing significant levels of biologi-
analysis to assess loss
cal contaminants into freshwater supplies.
or injury to a crop or
Another animal invader is the nu-
ecosystem. An in-
tria, which causes damage to Louisiana’s
vasive pest not only
marshland. The most effective method
causes crop damage,
for management of this pest is trapping
but can affect com-
for fur and consumption. Demand for fur
modity markets, human
has declined significantly in the past 50
health, food safety and
years, and Louisiana has an aggressive
the environment. For
campaign to encourage consumption of
example, financial mar-
nutria meat.
kets worldwide may be Don Ferrin, LSU AgCenter plant pathologist, inspects a citrus tree for
citrus greening disease, a major threat to the citrus industry.
Louisiana Agriculture, Fall 2010 9
is early detection of pest problems and tion. It may require one or a combination
safeguarding of agricultural products. of methods such as chemical, mechani-
Discovery of an invasive species during cal, vaccination or even release of sterile
routine surveys may trigger stop- sales, males into the ecosystem. An eradication
treatments, return to origin or destruc- effort may not be successful, such as the
tion. In some cases, sites may need follow- failed attempt to eliminate fire ants in the
up inspection or remediation. LSU AgCen- South. Furthermore, eradication of inva-
ter scientists develop educational materials sive species may result in secondary ef-
featuring the species being monitored. fects such as emergence of a new species
Targeted response also requires ac- that may dominate the ecosystem.
tion tailored to the invasive organism. In a few cases, however, eradication
The goal of targeted response is to pre- can be successful and worth the invest-
vent the spread, reduce harm, and man- ment. Examples of successful eradication
age or eradicate the problem. The annual programs in Louisiana include the pink
tropical soda apple weed survey, for ex- bollworm, sudden oak death and south-
ample, relies on visual survey of pastures ern bacterial wilt disease. The financial
and rodeo arenas with subsequent prop- investment to prevent the spread of these
erty restrictions and herbicide treatments invasive species has decreased the long-
when the weed is found. Cattle cannot term cost to industry.
re-enter until fruiting plants are elimi- The Boll Weevil Eradication Pro-
These feral hogs were captured on camera
foraging for food. nated. Cactus moth – a federally-regulat- gram represents the ultimate targeted re-
ed pest – is monitored using pheromone sponse: a cooperative, long-term strategy
trapping and visual survey for the prickly to eliminate an organism through survey,
Photo by Bruce Schultz
pear host. Teams of inspectors across treatment, quarantine and maintenance.
Louisiana coastal lands search for moth- The cotton boll weevil first appeared in
infested cactus. When found, the cactus Louisiana in 1903. Boll weevil damage
is destroyed. Moth locations are tracked to developing cotton bolls was a major
with GPS, and teams map their progress. yield-limiting factor in cotton production
When the pink hibiscus mealybug was in Louisiana. Nationally, the boll weevil
found in southeastern Louisiana, LDAF is estimated to have cost cotton farmers
conducted surveys to determine how more than $15 billion in yield loss and
widespread this ornamental pest was in additional costs to control the pest. An
residential settings. Parasitoid wasps for eradication program was initiated in
biological control were released weekly. Louisiana in 1997, and since then ap-
Sentinel sites still monitored confirm a proximately $167 million has been spent
The Mexican rice borer is now in Louisiana
causing a major threat to the sugarcane industry. high success rate of this control program, on boll weevil eradication ($77.6 mil-
which helps prevent spread to major lion by the state, $25 million by USDA,
agricultural crops in Louisiana. Giant $64.3 million by the cotton growers) in
salvinia weed management is another a unified eradication program. In 2010,
Photo by Hallie Dozier
biocontrol success story in Louisiana, one weevil was trapped in the third week
using natural organisms to recover from of May in Louisiana. At this time there is
invasive pest damage. no evidence of boll weevil reproduction
Pest mitigation measures may be in Louisiana.
straightforward, such as conducting sur- Ultimately, management of invasive
veys and inspections or applying treat- species through containment or control
ments. Others may require restrictions may be the only way to overcome eco-
on high-risk plants. Quarantines repre- nomic and environmental damages. In
sent the most restrictive response and are containment, an effort is made to confine
enforced on pests with high impact po- the invasive species within a limited geo-
tential. Strategies may be devised using graphical area. Control aims at keeping
multiple mitigation methods. Regulatory invasive species below a certain thresh-
response should be reasonable, uniform, old level – a level in which economic and
science-based, transparent and limited in environmental cost can be tolerated.
scope so that benefits outweigh risks. We hope you find this issue of Loui-
In some cases the risk posed by an siana Agriculture helpful. Please do not
invasive species is so great that attempts hesitate to contact any of the authors of
are made to eradicate it. Eradication is these articles for more information about
difficult and costly and effective only if invasive species.
The Chinese privet tree can dominate a
landscape. initiated immediately after the first detec-
10 Louisiana Agriculture, Fall 2010