Effect of herbivory on growth and biomass allocation of Brazilian peppertree (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) seedlings in the laboratory

Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi), native to South America, is invading many ecosystems in south and central Florida. The defoliating tortricid moth Episimus unguiculus Clarke was selected as a potential biocontrol agent of Brazilian peppertree in Florida. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of different levels of herbivore damage on growth and biomass allocation of Brazilian peppertree seedlings in the laboratory. Three treatments were established: (1) no herbivory (control), (2) low herbivory (~4 larvae/plant), and (3) high herbivory (~12 larvae/plant). High levels of herbivory significantly reduced the number of leaflets, plant height, foliar biomass, foliar relative growth rate (RGR) and shoot: root ratio of Brazilian peppertree seedlings. Moreover, plants were not able to recover from herbivory after 2 months. The performance of Brazilian peppertree subjected to low herbivory levels did not differ from the control plants (no herbivory). The potential effectiveness of the biocontrol agent E. unguiculus to suppress this noxious weed is examined.