Venice-April 2017.jpg

Publications

Phragmites die-back at Mississippi River Delta, Plaquemines Parish

Multiple Potential Stressors and Dieback of Phragmites australis in the Mississippi River Delta, USA: Implications for Restoration

Cronin, J. Johnson, J., and R. Diaz. 2020. Wetlands. DOI: 10.1007/s13157-020-01356-8

​

​

A review of the causes and consequences of geographical variability in weed biological control successes

Harms, N., J. Cronin, Diaz, R.  and R. Winston. 2020. Biological Control. DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2020.104398

​

​

Investigating Plant Phenotype, Salinity, and Infestation by the Roseau Cane Scale as Factors in the Die-Back of Phragmites australis in the Mississippi River Delta, USA

Knight, I., J. Cronin, M. Gill, J. A. Nyman, B. Wilson, and R. Diaz. 2020. Wetlands. DOI: 10.1007/s13157-020-01307-3

​

​

Assessing Salvinia molesta impacts on environmental conditions in an urban lake: Case study of Lago Las Curias, Puerto Rico

​

Wahl,C., Diaz, R. and J. Ortiz. 2020. Aquatic Invasions In Press. 

​

​

Winter and spring conditions determine the production of the salvinia weevil mass rearing programme

​

Wahl, C. and R. Diaz. 2020. Biocontrol Science and Technology 30: 569-580

​

​

Insect Herbivores Associated with Nymphaea mexicana (Nymphaeaceae) in Southern United States: Potential Biological Control Agents for South Africa

​

Reid, M., Coetzee, J. A., Hill M. P., Diaz, R., Gettys, L. A., Cuda, J. P. and C. S. Reid. 2020. Florida Entomologist 103: 54-63.

​

​

Too hot to move: temperatures during transportation might reduce the survival of salvinia weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

​

Cozad, L. A., Diaz, R. and C. R. Mudge. 2019. Florida Entomologist 102:701-707.

​

​

Integrated management of giant salvinia using herbicides and the salvinia weevil

​

Cozad, L. A., Mudge, C., and R. Diaz. 2019. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 

57: 62-68

​

Observation of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkia) feeding upon giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta)

​

Wahl, C.* and R. Diaz. 2019. Southeastern Naturalist 18: N41-N44.

​

​

Thermal tolerance and prediction of northern distribution of the crapemyrtle bark scale (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae)

​

Wang, Z., Chen, Y. and R. Diaz. 2019. Environmental Entomology 48: 641-648.

​

​

Phenotypic plasticity in the cold tolerance of three populations of the salvinia weevil (Cyrtobagous salviniae) from Louisiana, USA

​

Cozad, A., Diaz, R. and C. Mudge. 2019. Biocontrol Science and Technology https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2019.1608512

​

​

Temperature-dependent development and host range of crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae)

​

Wang, Z., Chen, Y. and R. Diaz. 2019. Florida Entomologist 102: 181-186.

​

​

Physiology of crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), associated with seasonally altered cold tolerance

​

Wang, Z., Chen, Y., Diaz, R. and R. A. Laine. 2019. Journal of Insect Physiology 112: 1-8.

​

Does the aquatic herbicide 2,4-D and a non-ionic surfactant impact survival of salvinia weevil?

​

Wahl, C. , Mudge, C. and R. Diaz. 2018. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 56: 113-119.

​

​

Invasion of Nipponaclerda biwakoensis (Hemiptera: Aclerdidae) and Phragmites australis die-back in southern Louisiana, U.S.A.

​

Knight, I., Wilson, B. E., Gill, M., Aviles, L., Cronin, J. T., Nyman, J. A., Schneider, S. A. and R. Diaz. 2018. Biological Invasions 10: 2739-2744.

​

​

Taxonomy of Calophya species associated with Brazilian peppertree (Hemiptera: Calophyidae)

​

Burckhardt, D., Cuda, J. P., Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A., Prade, P., Queiroz, D., Vitorino, M. D. and G. S. Wheeler, G. S. 2018. Florida Entomologist 101: 178-188.

​

​

Is wild taro a suitable target for classical control in the United States?

​

Cozad, L. A., Harms, N., Russell, A. D., De Souza, M. and R. Diaz. 2018. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 56: 1-12.

​

​

Changes in latitude: overwintering survival of two Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) biotypes in Florida

​

Smith. M., Overholt, W. A., Lake, E., Diaz, R., Manrique, M., Hight, S., Rohrig, E., Minteer, C., Wheeler, G., Rayamajhi, M., Bowers, K. and C. Kerr. 2018. Biocontrol Science and Technology  28: 293-306.

​

​

Diversity and impact of herbivorous insects on Brazilian Peppertree in Florida prior to release of exotic biological control agents

​

Battharai, G., Diaz, R., Manrique, V., Turechek, W., Buss, L., Stange, B. and W. A. Overholt. 2017. Biocontrol Science and Technology 27: 703-722.

​

​

Surveys in Argentina and Uruguay reveal Cyrtobagous salviniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) populations adapted to survive temperate climates in southeastern USA

​

Russell, A., Johnson, S., Cibils, X., McKay, F., Moshman, L., Madeira, P., Blair, Z. and R. Diaz. 2017. Biological Control 107: 41-49.

​

​

Comparative evaluation of development and reproductive capacity of two biotypes of Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Biological Control Agents of Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) in Florida

​

Manrique, V., Lake, E. Smith, M., Diaz, R., Franko, C., Pratt, P. D., Rayamajhi, M. B. and W. Overholt. 2017. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 110: 310-316.

​

 

A Review of the Tawny  Crazy Ant, Nylanderia fulva, an Emergent Ant Invader in the Southern United States: Is Biological Control a Feasible Management Option?

​

Wang, Z., Moshman, L., Kraus, E. C., Wilson, B. E., Acharya, N. and R. Diaz. 2016. Insects DOI: 10.3390/insects7040077

​

Crapemyrtle Bark Scale: A New Threat for Crapemyrtles, a Popular Landscape Plant in the U.S.

​

Wang, Z., Chen, Y., Gu, M. Vafaie, E., Merchant, M. and R. Diaz. 2016. Insects 7: 78. DOI: 10.3390/insects7040078

​

Galls induced by Calophya latiforceps (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) reduce leaf performance and growth of Brazilian peppertree

​

Prade, P., Diaz, R., Vitorino, M., Cuda, J. P., Kumar, P., Gruber, B. and W. A. Overholt. 2016. Biocontrol Science and Technology 26: 23-34.

​

Biological control of the invasive weed, Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia. A review of the project with an update on the proposed agents

​

Wheeler, G. S., McKay, F., Vitorino, M., Manrique, V., Diaz, R. and W. A. Overholt. 2016. Southeastern Naturalist 15(Sp8): 15-34.

​

​

Diversity of arthropods associated with Mikania spp. and Chromolaena odorata (Asterales: Asteraceae: Eupatorieae) in Florida

​

Diaz, R., Romero, S., Roda, A. and W. A. Overholt. 2015. Florida Entomologist 98: 389-393.

​

​

Exploring origins, invasion history and genetic diversity of Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. (Cogongrass) in the United States using genotyping by sequencing

​

Murrel, A. M., Pepper, A. E., Hodnett, G., Goolsby, J. A., Overholt, W. A., Racelis, A. E., Diaz, R. and P. E.  Klein. 2015. Molecular Ecology 24: 2177-2193.

​

​

New species diversity revealed from molecular and morphological characterization of gall-inducing Calophya spp. (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) from Brazilian peppertree

​

Diaz, R., Dickey, A., Shatters, R. G., Manrique, V., and Overholt, W. A. 2015. Florida Entomologist 28: 776-779. 

​

​

Deep characterization of the microbiomes of Calophya spp. (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) gall-inducing psyllids reveals the absence of plant pathogenic bacteria and three dominant endosymbionts

​

Overholt, W., Diaz, R., Rosskopf, E., Green, S. J. and W. A. Overholt. 2015. PLoS ONE 10(7):e0132248. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0132248

​

​

Host specificity testing and examination for plant pathogens reveals that the gall-inducing psyllid Calophya latiforceps is safe to release for biological control of Brazilian peppertree

​

Diaz, R., Manrique, V., Munyaneza, J. E., Sengoda, V. G., Adkins, S., Hendricks, K., Roberts, P. and W. A.  Overholt. 2014. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 154: 1-14.

​

​

Temperature-Dependent Development, Cold Tolerance, and Potential Distribution of Cricotopus lebetis (Diptera: Chironomidae), a Tip Miner of Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrocharitaceae)

​

Stratman, K., Overholt, W. A., Cuda, J. P., Mukherjee, A., Diaz, R., Netherland, M. D., and Wilson, P.C. 2014.  Journal of Insect Science 14: 1, 10.1093/jisesa/ieu015

​

​

Host range tests reveal Paectes longiformis is not a suitable biological control agent for the invasive plant Schinus terebinthifolia

​

Manrique, V., Diaz, R., Condon, T., and W. A. Overholt. 2014.  BioControl 59: 761–770.

​

​

Native range density, host utilization and life history of Calophya latiforceps (Hemiptera: Calophyidae): An herbivore of Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia)

​

Diaz, R., Moscoso, D., Manrique, V., Williams, D. and W. A. Overholt. 2014. . Biocontrol Science and Technology 24:  536-553.

​

​

Successful biological control of tropical soda apple (Solanales: Solanaceae) in Florida: A review of key program components

​

Diaz, R., Manrique, V., Hibbard, K., Fox, A., Roda, A., Gandolfo, D., McKay, F., Medal, J., Hight, S. and W. A. Overholt. 2014. Florida Entomologist 97: 179-190. 

​

​

Comparison of two populations of Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) as candidates for biological control of the invasive weed Schinus terebinthifolia (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae)

​

Manrique, V., Diaz, R., Erazo, L., Reddi, N., Wheeler, G. S., Williams, D. and W. A. Overholt. 2014. Biocontrol Science and Technology 24: 518-535.

​

​

Biology and host Specificity of Anthonomus tenebrosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A herbivore of Tropical soda apple

​

Diaz, R., Menocal, O., Montemayor, C. and W. A. Overholt. 2013. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 106: 491-502.

​

​

Systematics and biology of Cremastobombycia chromolaenae, new species (Gracillariidae), a natural enemy of Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and H. Robinson (Asteraceae)

​

Davis, D., Diaz, R. and W. A. Overholt. 2013. Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society 67: 35-41.

​

​

Temperature-dependent development and cold tolerance of Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a pest of cruciferous crops in the Southeastern United States

​

Manrique, V., Diaz, R., Montemayor, C., Serrano, D. and R. D. Cave. 2012. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 105: 854-864.

​

​

Effect of elevated CO2 on tropical soda apple and its biological control agent Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

​

Diaz, R., Manrique, V., He, Z. and W. A. Overholt. 2012. Biocontrol Science and Technology 22: 763-776.

​

​

Niche-based prediction of establishment of biocontrol agents: an example with Gratiana boliviana and tropical soda apple

​

Mukherjee, A., Diaz, R., Thom, M., Overholt, W. A. and J.P. Cuda.  2012.  Biocontrol Science and Technology 22: 447-461.

​

​

Temperature-dependent development, diapause and cold tolerance of Gratiana graminea (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a potential biological control agent of Solanum viarum in Florida

​

Manrique, V., Diaz, R., and W. A. Overholt. 2012. BioControl 57: 581-589.

​

​

Arthropod community associated with tropical soda apple and natural enemies of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Florida

​

Diaz, R., Hibbard, K., Samayoa, A. and W. A. Overholt. 2012. Florida Entomologist 9: 228-232.

​

​

Description and biology of Paectes longiformis (Lepidoptera: Euteliidae), a new species from Brazil and potential biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree in Florida

​

Manrique V., Diaz, R., Pogue, M. G., Vitorino, M. D. and W. A. Overholt. 2012. . Biocontrol Science and Technology 22: 163-185.

​

​

Differential performance of tropical soda apple and its biological control agent Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in open and shaded habitats

​

Diaz, R., Aguirre, C., Wheeler, G. S., Lapointe, S. L. and W.A. Overholt. 2011. Environmental Entomology 40: 1437-1447.

​

​

Phragmites in Florida

​

Overholt, W.A., Diaz, R., Hanson, M. and D. Williams. 2011. Aquatics 33: 6-7.

​

​

Evaluation of mortality factors using life table analysis of Gratiana boliviana, a biological control agent of tropical soda apple in Florida

​

Manrique, V., Diaz, R., Hight, S. and W.A. Overholt. 2011. Biological Control 59: 354-360.

​

​

Calophya latiforceps, a new species of jumping plant lice (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) associated with Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae) in Brazil

​

Burckhardt, D., Cuda, J. P., Manrique, V., Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A., Williams, D. A., Christ, L. R. and M.D. Vitorino. 2011. Florida Entomologist 94: 489-499. 

​

​

Suitability of a new plant invader as a target for biological control in Florida

​

Manrique, V., Diaz, R., Cuda, J. P.  and W.A. Overholt. 2011. Invasive Plant Science and Management 4: 1-10.                 

​

​

The effect of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) herbivory on growth and population density of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum) in Florida

​

Overholt, W.A., Diaz, R., Markle, L. and J.C. Medal. 2010. Biocontrol Science and Technology 20: 791-807.

​

​

Diapause termination of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) using a juvenile hormone analog, and implications for biological control of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum, Solanaceae)

​

Reddy, R., Manrique, V., Diaz, R. and W. A. Overholt. 2010. Biocontrol Science and Technology 20: 997-1000.

​

​

Biological Control of Tropical Soda Apple (Solanaceae) in Florida: Post- Release Evaluation

​

Medal, J., Bustamante, N, Overholt, W., Diaz, R., Stansly, P., Roda, A., Amalin, D., Hibbard, K., Gaskalla, R., Sellers, B. and J.P. Cuda. 2010. Florida Entomologist 93: 130-132.

​

​

Characterizing the host specificity of Ischnodemus variegatus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Blissidae) on two congeneric grass species

​

Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A., Heard, T. A., Samayoa, A. and R. D. van Klinken. 2010. Biological Control 55: 219-224.

​

​

Host specificity of Ischnodemus variegatus, an herbivore of West Indian marsh grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis)

​

Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A., Cuda, J., Pratt, P. and A. Fox. 2009. BioControl 54: 307-321.

​

​

Temperature-dependent development of the cycad Aulacaspis scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

​

Cave, R. C., Sciacchetano, C. and R. Diaz. 2009. Florida Entomologist 92: 578-581.

​

​

Releases, distribution and abundance of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum, Solanaceae), in Florida

​

Overholt, W.A., Diaz, R., Hibbard, K., Roda, A., Amalin, D., Fox, A., Hight, S. D., Medal, J., Stansly, P., Carlisle, B., Walter, J., Hogue, P., Gary, L., Wiggens, L., Kirby, C. and S. Crawford. 2009. Florida Entomologist 92:450-457.

​

​

Temperature-dependent development, survival, and potential distribution of Ischnodemus variegatus (Hemiptera: Blissidae), a herbivore of West Indian Marsh Grass

​

Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A., Cuda, J. P., Pratt, P. and A. Fox. 2008. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 101: 604-612.

​

​

Temperature-dependent development, cold tolerance, and potential distribution of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum (Solanaceae)

​

Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A., Samayoa, S., Sosa, F., Cordeau, D. and J. Medal. 2008. Biocontrol Science and Technology 18: 193-207.

​

​

Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) does not feed on Jamaican Nightshade Solanum jamaicense (Solanaceae)

 

Overholt, W. A., Diaz, R., Markle, L. and J. Medal. 2008. Florida Entomologist 91: 121-123.

​

​

Temperature-dependent development and potential distribution of Episimus utilis (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a candidate biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) in Florida

​

Manrique, V., Cuda, J. P., Overholt, W. A. and R. Diaz. 2008. Environmental Entomology 37: 862-870.

​

​

Control of West Indian Marsh Grass with Glyphosate and Imazapyr

​

Sellers, B., Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A. and K. Langeland. 2008. Journal of the Aquatic Plant Management Society 46: 189-192.

​

​

Solanum viarum Dunal (Solanaceae), primer reporte para Honduras

​

Diaz, R., Samayoa, A., Overholt, W. A. and A. Pitty. 2008. CEIBA 49: 133-134.

​

​

Jamaican Nightshade (Solanum jamaicense): A threat to Florida’s hammocks

​

Diaz, R., Overholt, W. A. and K. Langeland. 2008. Invasive Plant Science and Management 1: 422-425.

​

​

Effect of the Red Imported Fire Ant on Cotton Aphid population density and predation of Bollworm and Beet Armyworm Eggs

​

Diaz, R., Knutson, A. and J. Bernal 2004. Journal of Economic Entomology 97: 222-229.

​

​

Ground Beetle assemblages in mulched and non-mulched garden plots

​

Wiedenmann, R. N., Diaz, R. and C. Sadof. 2004. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 77: 99–109.

​

​

Feeding effects of Ischnodemus variegatus (Hemiptera: Blissidae) on photosynthesis and growth of Hymenachne amplexicaulis (Poaceae)

​

Overholt, W.A., Ewe, S. M. L., Diaz, R., Morgan, E. C. and O. E. Moeri. 2004. Florida Entomologist 87: 312–316.

​

​

Quantification and development of teratocytes in novel- association host-parasitoid combinations

​

Alleyne, M., Wiedenmann, R. N. and R. Diaz. 2001. Journal of Insect Physiology 47: 1419-1427.

​

New Publications