Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Times of India
The Times of India
World
TOI World Desk

In 2012, USDA and Broward students released 16 beetles in Florida to control air potato; the insects multiplied into the thousands and nearly defoliated the vines

The fight against invasive plants does not always begin with chainsaws, herbicides or work crews. Sometimes scientists turn to the invader’s natural enemies. In Florida, researchers tested whether a tiny leaf-eating beetle could help control air potato, a vigorous vine capable of smothering native vegetation. According to the USDA , scientists and Broward County students released just 16 air potato leaf beetles (Lilioceris cheni) at Long Key Natural Area and Nature Centre in Davie on March 1, 2012. The insects multiplied into the thousands and nearly completely defoliated the air potato vines in the release area.

Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.