Question

The Asian cycad scale was introduced to Florida in 1992. These insects are not hard to kill, but they reproduce rapidly. Which would be another way to limit the population of the scale with the least negative effect on the environment?

A) Remove infected leaves from the plants and dispose of them by burning.
B) Apply organic insecticide soaps to kill the insects at their different life cycle stages.
C) Build fences around the plants to prevent wind from spreading the insects.
D) Kill all of the plants so that the food source of the insect will be eliminated.

Answer 1

To limit the Asian cycad scale population, applying organic insecticide soaps is a method that targets insects with minimal environmental impact, while the introduction of natural predators could serve as a biological control measure.

Step-by-step explanation:

You're asking about ways to limit the population of the Asian cycad scale in Florida with minimal environmental impact. A possible method that could be both effective and environmentally friendly would be to apply organic insecticide soaps. These soaps can target the insects at various life cycle stages without causing significant harm to other plants or wildlife. Another environmentally sensitive approach is the use of biological control, which involves introducing natural predators or pathogens specific to the pest species. This method has been successful in the past for controlling invasive species and has the least negative impact on the environment compared to chemical control and physical removal of plants.

It's important to note that while biological control can be highly effective, it requires careful consideration to avoid non-target impacts, such as those seen with the cactus moth in Florida affecting native plants. An integrated approach—combining biological control, the use of pest-resistant cultivars, and smart pesticide use—can be the most sustainable and effective strategy for managing pest populations like the Asian cycad scale.