Establishment and Spread of a Single Parthenogenic Genotype of the Mediterranean Arundo Wasp,Tetramesa romana¹, in the Variable Climate of Texas

The arundo wasp, Tetramesa romana, does not control giant river reed, Arundo donax, in Texas, USA

“…Also, although Goolsby et al. () reported greater numbers of dead stalks in 2014 than in 2007, living stalk density was unaffected. This is attributable to A. donax stalks being semiperennial which results in the accumulation of dead stalks over years until they decompose and lodge; it is not a consequence of T. romana which does not attack stalks under field conditions.…”

“…At eight of 10 sampling sites along the Rio Grande wet biomass was reported to have declined but that was not substantiated statistically because of high variation (see table in Goolsby et al., ). Only two of 10 A. donax sites along the Rio Grande had less wet biomass after 6 years (Goolsby et al., ).…”

“…At eight of 10 sampling sites along the Rio Grande wet biomass was reported to have declined but that was not substantiated statistically because of high variation (see table in Goolsby et al., ). Only two of 10 A. donax sites along the Rio Grande had less wet biomass after 6 years (Goolsby et al., ). Density of new stalks was greater in 2007 than in 2014 at only four of the sites and variation was too great for definitive conclusions (Goolsby et al., ).…”

“…Goolsby et al. () measured A. donax productivity under field conditions based on data from two non‐consecutive years, 2007 and 2014. Rivers commonly shift over the years, and water levels and flow of the Rio Grande can change dramatically over time (Waterdata, ).…”

“…Only two of 10 A. donax sites along the Rio Grande had less wet biomass after 6 years (Goolsby et al., ). Density of new stalks was greater in 2007 than in 2014 at only four of the sites and variation was too great for definitive conclusions (Goolsby et al., ). Also, although Goolsby et al.…”