Did the Florida Weevil Control Any Salvinia When It Was First Released?
Most of the original sites where the weevil was released were destroyed by floods, droughts, saltwater intrusion, or mechanical or chemical control by landowners. One site showed promise initially, but was destroyed by the landowner. In laboratory and tank tests, the Florida weevil completed development on giant salvinia, did not prefer common salvinia over giant salvinia, and has suppressed giant salvinia growth. At one site in western Florida where giant salvinia had invaded a nursery pond, the Florida weevil was found heavily attacking the weed. Further testing should provide insight on how the performance of the Florida weevil compares to the Australia weevil on both giant and common salvinia.
