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.
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