What was released alongside alligatorweed flea beetles as a biological agent in 1965?

The release of water hyacinth weevils alongside alligatorweed flea beetles in 1965 represents a significant step in biological control measures aimed at combating invasive aquatic weeds. Both the alligatorweed flea beetle and the water hyacinth weevil were introduced as a part of a coordinated strategy to manage two of Florida's troublesome invasive plant species: alligatorweed and water hyacinth.

The use of biological control agents, such as these weevils, is based on the premise that natural predators can help regulate the populations of invasive plants, thus reducing their negative impacts on local ecosystems, water quality, and recreational water use. The water hyacinth weevil specifically targets water hyacinth, attacking the plant's tissue and slowing its growth, which complements the role of the alligatorweed flea beetle in managing alligatorweed.

This approach emphasizes the importance of integrated pest management and the careful selection of biological control agents that can effectively reduce weed populations without harming non-target organisms. The release of these two agents in the same year reflects a coordinated effort to leverage biological control for multiple invasive species concurrently, contributing to more sustainable aquatic weed management.