Rodrigo Diaz

 

Assistant Professor

 

Invasive Species Ecology and Biological Control

 

RDiaz@agcenter.lsu.edu

 

 

DEGREES:

2008, PhD, Entomology.  University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States.

2003, MS, Entomology.  Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States.

1999, BS, Agriculture. Zamorano University, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

 

Peer-reviewed Articles

 

Diaz, R., D. Moscoso, V. Manrique, D. Williams, and W. A. Overholt. 2014. Native range density, host utilization and life history of Calophya latiforceps (Hemiptera: Calophyidae): An herbivore of Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia). Biocontrol Science and Technology 24:  536-553. DOI:10.1080/09583157.2013.878686

 

Diaz, R., V. Manrique, K. Hibbard, A. Fox, A. Roda, D. Gandolfo, F. McKay, J. Medal, S. Hight, and W. A. Overholt. 2014. Successful biological control of tropical soda apple (Solanales: Solanaceae) in Florida: A review of key program components. Florida Entomologist 97: 179-190.

 

Manrique, V., R. Diaz, L. Erazo, N. Reddi, G.S. Wheeler, D. Williams, and W. A. Overholt. 2014. Comparison of two populations of Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) as candidates for biological control of the invasive weed Schinus terebinthifolia (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae).  Biocontrol Science and Technology (accepted manuscript, December 2013). DOI:10.1080/09583157.2013.878310

 

Diaz, R., O. Menocal, C. Montemayor, and W. A. Overholt. 2013. Biology and host Specificity of Anthonomus tenebrosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A herbivore of Tropical soda apple. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 106: 491-502.

 

Davis, D., R. Diaz, and W. A. Overholt. 2013. Systematics and biology of Cremastobombycia chromolaenae, new species (Gracillariidae), a natural enemy of Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and H. Robinson (Asteraceae).  Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society 67: 35-41.

 

Manrique, V., R. Diaz, C. Montemayor, D. Serrano, and R. D. Cave. 2012. Temperature-dependent development and cold tolerance of

Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a pest of cruciferous crops in the Southeastern United States. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 105: 854-864.

 

Diaz, R., V. Manrique, Z. He, and W. A. Overholt. 2012.  Effect of elevated CO2 on tropical soda apple and its biological control agent Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Biocontrol Science and Technology 22: 763-776.

 

Mukherjee, A., R. Diaz, M. Thom, W. A. Overholt, and J.P. Cuda.  2012. Niche-based prediction of establishment of biocontrol agents: an example with Gratiana boliviana and tropical soda apple.  Biocontrol Science and Technology 22: 447-461.

 

Manrique, V., R. Diaz, and W. A. Overholt. 2012. Temperature-dependent development, diapause and cold tolerance of Gratiana graminea (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a potential biological control agent of Solanum viarum in Florida. BioControl 57: 581-589.

 

Diaz, R., K. Hibbard, A. Samayoa, and W. A. Overholt. 2012. Arthropod community associated with tropical soda apple and natural enemies of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Florida. Florida Entomologist 9: 228-232.

 

Manrique V., R. Diaz, M. G. Pogue, M. D. Vitorino, and W. A. Overholt. 2012. Description and biology of Paectes longiformis (Lepidoptera: Euteliidae), a new species from Brazil and potential biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree in Florida. Biocontrol Science and Technology 22: 163-185.

 

Diaz, R., C. Aguirre, G .S. Wheeler, S. L. Lapointe, and W.A. Overholt. 2011. Differential performance of tropical soda apple and its biological control agent Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in open and shaded habitats. Environmental Entomology 40: 1437-1447.

 

Overholt, W.A., R. Diaz, M. Hanson, and D. Williams. 2011. Phragmites in Florida. Aquatics 33: 6-7.

 

Manrique, V., R. Diaz, S. Hight, and W.A. Overholt. 2011. Evaluation of mortality factors using life table analysis of Gratiana boliviana, a biological control agent of tropical soda apple in Florida. Biological Control 59: 354-360.

 

Burckhardt, D., J.P. Cuda, V. Manrique, R. Diaz, W.A. Overholt, D.A. Williams, L.R. Christ, and M.D. Vitorino. 2011. Calophya latiforceps, a new species of jumping plant lice (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) associated with Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae) in Brazil. Florida Entomologist 94: 489-499.

 

Manrique, V., R. Diaz, J.P. Cuda, and W.A. Overholt. 2011. Suitability of a new plant invader as a target for biological control in Florida. Invited Review. Invasive Plant Science and Management 4: 1-10.

 

Overholt, W.A., R. Diaz, L. Markle, and J.C. Medal. 2010. The effect of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) herbivory on growth and population density of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum) in Florida. Biocontrol Science and Technology 20: 791-807.

 

Reddy, R., V. Manrique, R. Diaz, and W.A. Overholt. 2010. Diapause termination of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) using a juvenile hormone analog, and implications for biological control of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum, Solanaceae). Biocontrol Science and Technology 20: 997-1000.

 

Medal, J., N. Bustamante, W. Overholt, R. Diaz, P. Stansly, A. Roda, D. Amalin, K. Hibbard, R. Gaskalla, B. Sellers and J.P. Cuda. 2010. Biological Control of Tropical Soda Apple (Solanaceae) in Florida: Post-Release Evaluation. Florida Entomologist 93: 130-132.

 

Diaz, R., W. A. Overholt, T. A. Heard, A. Samayoa, and R. D. van Klinken. 2010. Characterizing the host specificity of Ischnodemus variegatus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Blissidae) on two congeneric grass species. Biological Control 55: 219-224.

 

Diaz, R., W.A. Overholt, J. Cuda, P. Pratt, and A. Fox. 2009. Host specificity of Ischnodemus variegatus, an herbivore of West Indian marsh grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis). Biocontrol 54: 307-321.

 

Cave, R.C., C. Sciacchetano, and R. Diaz. 2009. Temperature-dependent development of the cycad Aulacaspis scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). Florida Entomologist 92: 578-581.

 

Overholt, W.A., R. Diaz,  K. Hibbard, A. Roda,  D. Amalin,  A. Fox, S.D. Hight, J. Medal,  P. Stansly,  B. Carlisle,  J. Walter,  P. Hogue, L. Gary, L. Wiggens, C. Kirby, and S. Crawford. 2009. Releases, distribution and abundance of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum, Solanaceae), in Florida. Florida Entomologist 92:450-457.

 

Diaz, R., W.A. Overholt, J.P. Cuda, P. Pratt, and A. Fox. 2008. Temperature-dependent development, survival, and potential distribution of Ischnodemus variegatus (Hemiptera: Blissidae), a herbivore of West Indian Marsh Grass.  Annals of the Entomological Society of America 101: 604-612.

 

Diaz, R., W.A. Overholt, A. Samayoa, F. Sosa, D. Cordeau, D. and J. Medal. 2008. Temperature-dependent development, cold tolerance, and potential distribution of Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of tropical  soda apple, Solanum viarum (Solanaceae). Biocontrol Science and Technology 18: 193-207.

 

Overholt, W. A., R. Diaz, L. Markle and J. Medal. 2008. Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) does not feed on Jamaican Nightshade Solanum jamaicense (Solanaceae). Florida Entomologist 91:121-123.

 

Manrique, V., J. P. Cuda, W. A. Overholt, and R. Diaz. 2008. Temperature-dependent development and potential distribution of Episimus utilis (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a  candidate biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) in Florida. Environmental Entomology 37: 862-870.

 

Sellers, B., R. Diaz, W. A. Overholt, and K. Langeland. 2008. Control of West Indian Marsh Grass with Glyphosate and Imazapyr. Journal of the Aquatic Plant Management Society 46: 189-192.

 

Diaz, R., A. Samayoa, W.A. Overholt, and A. Pitty. 2008. Solanum viarum Dunal (Solanaceae), primer reporte para Honduras. CEIBA 49: 133-134.

 

Diaz, R., W.A. Overholt, and K. Langeland. 2008. Jamaican Nightshade (Solanum jamaicense): A threat to Florida’s hammocks. Invasive Plant Science and Management 1: 422-425.

 

Díaz, R., A. Knutson, and J. Bernal 2004. Effect of the Red Imported Fire Ant on Cotton Aphid population density and predation of Bollworm and Beet Armyworm Eggs. Journal of Economic Entomology 97: 222-229.

 

Wiedenmann, R. N., R. Diaz, and C. Sadof. 2004. Ground Beetle assemblages in mulched and non-mulched garden plots. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 77: 99–109.

 

Overholt, W.A., S. M. L. Ewe, R. Diaz, E. C. Morgan, and O. E. Moeri. 2004. Feeding effects of Ischnodemus variegatus (Hemiptera: Blissidae) on photosynthesis and growth of  Hymenachne amplexicaulis (Poaceae). Florida Entomologist 87: 312–316.

 

Alleyne, M., R.N. Wiedenmann, and R. Diaz. 2001. Quantification and development of teratocytes in novel-association host-parasitoid combinations. Journal of Insect Physiology 47: 1419-1427.

 

 

Non-Peer Reviewed Articles

 

Rayamajhi, M., T. Center, E. Lake, M. Smith, A. Dray, E. Rohrig, V. Manrique, R. Diaz, W. A. Overholt, S. Hight and K. Hibbard. 2014. Biological control of Air Potato. Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. University of Florida. http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/133

 

Moscoso, D., R. Diaz, and W. A. Overholt. 2013. The Scarlet-bodied wasp moth, Cosmosoma myrodora (Dyar) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). EDIS publication ENY# 557. University of Florida. http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/BFLY/MOTH2/scarlet_bodied_wasp_moth.html

 

Langeland, K. A., M. J. Meisenburg,  J. P. Cuda, R. Diaz, and V. Manrique. 2013. Malezas de Áreas Naturales: Una Guía Para el Propietario Sobre el Control de Melaleuca. SS-AGR-96-S. University of Florida http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag264

 

Steed, S. T., Stamps, R. H., and R. Diaz. 2013. Uso Apropiado y Manipulación de Glifosato en Invernaderos. University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep470

 

Diaz, R., J. Medal,  K. Hibbard, A. Roda, A. Fox,  S.D. Hight, P. Stansly,  B. Sellers,  J. Cuda, and W.A. Overholt. 2012. Classical biological control of tropical soda apple with Gratiana boliviana. EDIS publication ENY# 971. University of Florida http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in971

 

Diaz, R., W.A. Overholt, K. Hibbard, and J. Medal. 2012. Tropical soda apple leaf beetle (Gratiana boliviana). University of Florida.  http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/BENEFICIAL/BEETLES/Gratiana_boliviana.htm

 

Diaz, R., A. Roda, S. Romero, C. Mannion and W. A. Overholt. 2012. Will local herbivores and diseases colonize and eventually suppress Mikania micrantha in Florida? Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area Newsletter 3: 7.

 

Diaz, R., K. L. Hibbard, A. Roda, D. Amalin, A. F. Fox, S. D. Hight, J. Medal, P. A. Stansly, and W. A. Overholt. 2012. Successful biological control of tropical soda apple in Florida. The Florida Cattleman and Livestock Journal 76:  32-38.

 

Diaz, R., W. A. Overholt, and V. Manrique. 2011. Gratiana boliviana. Biological control: a guide to natural enemies in North America: http://www.biocontrol.entomology.cornell.edu/weedfeed/Gratiana.html

 

Montemayor, C.O., R. Diaz, W. A. Overholt, and A. Hodges. 2010. Myakka Bug, Ischnodemus variegatus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Blissidae). EDIS publication ENY # 471. University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in842

 

Overholt, W.A., D. Williams, and R. Diaz. 2010.  Detecting cryptic invasions of Phragmites australis in Florida waterways using genetic markers. Invasive Plant Management Section Research Report Newsletter 2: 16-17.

 

Diaz, R., W.A. Overholt, K. Gioeli, B. Sellers, and J. Medal. 2009. Biological control of tropical soda apple: a manual for the implementation of biological control as a tool for the management of tropical soda apple, Port St. Lucie, Florida.

 

Overholt, W.A., D.A. Williams, and R. Diaz. 2011. Detecting cryptic invasions of Phragmites australis in Florida waterways using genetic markers. Invasive Plant Management Research and Outreach Newsletter 3 (1): 7

 

Manrique, V., R. Diaz, and W.A. Overholt. 2011. New potential biological control agents of Brazilian peppertree. Invasive Plant Management Research and Outreach Newsletter 3 (1): 9

 

Overholt, W.A., L. Markle, and R. Diaz. 2007. What makes air potato bulbils sprout? Wildland Weeds. Fall 2007.

 

Diaz, R., W.A Overholt, J. P. Cuda, and P. Benshoff. 2006. Community level impact and potential management practices of West Indian Marsh Grass in the Myakka River  Watershed. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, Final Project Report. 26 pp.

 

Diaz, R., W. Overholt, and J. P. Cuda. 2005. Plant Conservation Alliance: West Indian marsh grass. http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/hyam1.htm

 

Diaz, R., W. Overholt, and J. P. Cuda. 2004. Exotic in the wetlands: West Indian marsh  grass.  EDIS publications. University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN491

 

Diaz, R., W.A. Overholt, and J. P. Cuda. 2003. Wetland weeds: West Indian Marsh Grass.  Aquatics 24: 10-12.

 

Diaz, R., A. Knutson, and J. Bernal. 2002. Impacts of the red imported fire ant upon cotton aphids and noctuid eggs. Proceedings of the Third California Conference on Biological Control pp. 125-128, University of California, Davis, California.

 

Díaz, R., A. Knutson y J. Bernal. 2002. Impacto de la hormiga de fuego importada Solenopsis invicta (Buren), en áfidos y noctuidos en campos de algodón. En Romero N., J., E. G. Estrada V. y A. Equihua M. (Eds.), Entomología Mexicana 1: 236-237.