Publications

Phragmites die-back at Mississippi River Delta, Plaquemines Parish

Mortality of the crapemyrtle bark scale (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) by commercial biopesticides under greenhouse and field conditions

Matos Franco, G., Chen, Y, Doyle V. P., Rehner, S. A. and R. Diaz. Biological Control 175: 105161

An invasive population of Roseau Cane Scale in the Mississippi River Delta, USA originated from northeastern China

Schneider, S. A., Broadley, H. J., Andersen, J. C., Elkinton, J. S., Hwang, S., Liu, C., Noriyuki, S., Park, J., and Dao, H. T. , Lewis, M. L., Gould, J. R., Hoelmer, K. A., and R. Diaz. 2022. Biol Invasions (2022) 24:2735–2755
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-022-02809-3

Impact of the fungal pathogen, SPFG, on the Salvinia molesta Mitchell biological control agent, Cyrtobagous salviniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Grodowitz, M. J., Elliot, B., Diaz, R., Boyette, D., Weaver, M., and Stetina, K. 2022. J. Aquat. Plant Manage. 60: 48–52

Optimising Berlese funnel extraction for population estimates of adult Cyrtobagous salviniae from Salvinia molesta

Wahl, C., Kaller, M. and R. Diaz. 2022 Biological Control Science and Technology. 32: 1232-1247. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2022.2108760

Will the application of biocontrol fungi disrupt predation of Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae by coccinellids?

Matos Franco, G., Chen, Y, Doyle V. P., Rehner, S. A. and R. Diaz. 2022. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 193: 107789.

A New Detection of the Invasive Mexican Rice Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) From Georgia in the United States Based on Morphological and Molecular Data

Kang, I, Wilson, B, Carter, B, and R. Diaz. 2022. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 13:1-5. https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmac014

Phytopythium chamaehyphon causing corm and root rot of uncultivated taro (Colocasia esculenta)

Galo, D., Escalante, C., Diaz, R., Hartgerink, J. E. and R. A. A. Valverde. 2022. Eur J Plant Pathol. 163:991–995 https://
doi.org/10.1007/s10658-022-02512-y

Revision of the genus Schoenlandella (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Cardiochilinae) in the New World, with a potential biological control agent for a lepidopteran pest of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Kang, I, Sharkey, M. J., and R. Diaz. 2021. Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 86:46-61. doi: 10.3897/jhr.86.72690

Adult cold tolerance and potential North American distribution of Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Neal, A., Diaz, R., Qureshi, J. and Cave R. D. 2021. Biological Invasions. In Press: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-021-02601-9

Climate Mismatch Between Introduced Biological Control Agents and Their Invasive Host Plants: Improving Biological Control of Tropical Weeds in Temperate Regions

Harms, N., Knight, I., Pratt, P., Diaz, R. 2021. Insects. In Press: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/12/6/549

Nutrients enhance the negative impact of an invasive floating plant on water quality and a submerged macrophyte

Wahl, C.F., Diaz, R., and Kaller, M. 2021. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. In Press.

Invasive floating fern limits aerial colonization and alters community structure of aquatic insects

Wahl, C.F., Diaz, R., and Kaller, M. Wetlands. In Press: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13157-021-01457-y

Invasion of floating fern alters freshwater macroinvertebrate community structure with implications for bottom-up processes

Wahl, C.F., Kaller, M, and Diaz R. 2021. Hydrobiologia. In Press: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10750-021-04571-4

First report of dasheen mosaic virus infecting taro (Colocasia esculenta) in Louisiana

Escalante, C., Galo, D., Diaz, R. and Valverde, R. 2021. Plant Disease. In Press: https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-04-21-0854-PDN

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

Mortality of the crapemyrtle bark scale (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) by commercial biopesticides under greenhouse and field conditions

Matos Franco, G., Chen, Y, Doyle V. P., Rehner, S. A. and R. Diaz. Biological Control 175: 105161