Search

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, 1931 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an invasive pest species that causes damage to fruit crops due to premature deterioration of ripe fruits by oviposition inside them. A review of D. suzukii detections in Argentina was carried out and we updated this list with the results of our sampling in the Northwest, Cuyo and Northeast regions. The surveys carried out determined the first detections in the provinces of Jujuy and Córdoba, revealing the continuous geographical expansion of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae) has been considered one of the 100 most invasive species on a global scale. Despite its potential threat, its introduction is increasingly being promoted for agroforestry, ornamentation, shading and handicrafts in the warm and temperate forest regions of Argentina. The threat of Leucaena populations to biodiversity has been reported worldwide, where control was not effective. The aims of the present study were to update the record of naturalized populations in Argentina and provide information on the historical and current processes of naturalization and invasion. M&M: The records were documented by collecting plant material in the field and examination of material housed in herbaria. Field observations were also made to observe current naturalization processes and interaction with dispersers/predators. Results: The invasive condition was confirmed in Argentina and two introduction pathways were recognized. Based on the general appearance of the groves and the microhabitat that is generated in the invaded environments, it is considered a transformer species in Argentina. The reproductive characteristics and their interaction with other strata of regional biodiversity related to the invasive process are indicated. Conclusions: The analysis of the herbarium labels allowed detecting that in 1921 this species was already naturalized in the country. The intervention of humans in its dispersal is discussed and future scenarios are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paititi Private Nature Reserve is located within the important grassland areas. The area is characterized by frequent uncontrolled fires and at present a major sector of the reserve is invaded by the exotic Acacia melanoxylon, which increases its coverage area every year. The objective of comparing the wealth, abundance and dominance structure of the assembly of ants before and after a massive fire in a natural site and in a site invaded by Acacia melanoxylon was proposed. The sampling design included three replicates of 10 pitfall traps for each room type, native and invaded. The fire took place during the month of March (2015), and dataprior to the burning were available. Ant assemblages of both environments differed initially (Sl = 0.1%) but were similar post-fire (Sl = 1.2%). Prior to the fire the similarity between functional groups was 55 % and thereafter 66 %.This work shows that the controlled use of fire could be a useful tool to control the invasive species Acacia melanoxylon because after the fire the ant community returned to an environment similar to the one present in its native state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]