[MAIPC] scale insect decimating native Phragmitis in Louisiana

[Stephen Hiltner]

For anyone who saw the article about an introduced scale insect decimating
marshlands in Louisiana, if you read deep into the article, you finally
learn that the reed the introduced scale attacks is the native
Phragmitis--what is called "gulf roseau cane." Another article
<http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/roseau-cane-scale-delta> speculates
that the scale insect, the Roseau cane mealy bug (Nipponaclerda
biwakoensis,from China and Japan) could attack sorghum and sugar cane as
well. This article includes a map
<http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2017/04/scientists_finally_identify_pe.html>
of the affected area.

It's interesting to read in the NY Times article (text below) that the
native version of Phragmitis, which I had always heard was less robust,
still exists, and outcompetes the European genotype in Louisiana. The
article warns of the downsides of the European version, but it's not clear
how the native Phrag could have been outcompeting the European while not
exhibiting the European genotype's negative traits.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/02/24/us/louisiana-
wetlands-insects.html

Multiple forms of roseau grow in the delta. The one thought to be native,
> gulf roseau, is being decimated by the scale. Another strain, from Europe,
> is considered an aggressive invasive species in the Great Lakes and on the
> East Coast but appears held in check in Louisiana, possibly by the other
> varieties. This strain, Dr. Cronin recently discovered, is resistant to the
> scale. “For some reason, scale leaves it alone,” he said.
>


> Planting European roseau on Louisiana’s coast could restore what the
> insects appear to be taking away. But the idea has its downsides, he
> admitted. In Chesapeake Bay, the reed obstructs waterways, crowds out
> native plants and robs crabs, oysters and other wildlife of their habitats.
> East Coast states spend about $5 million a year to contain the plant, Dr.
> Cronin said. They mow it, poison it, dredge it, set cattle to graze on it —
> even smother it with plastic sheeting.
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