Above illustration,
"Tillandsia stricta,"
by Margaret Mee,
© Smithsonian Institution,
used with permission.
Since the weevil threat was first discovered, the Florida Council of Bromeliad Societies, the University of Florida, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry (DOACS/DPI), have been attempting with very limited funding to find a solution. The project has recently received greater support, but in order to successfully protect our endangered airplants, the Save Florida's Native Bromeliads project needs higher levels of funding and additional collaboration from bromeliad society members, park personnel, and anyone interested in conserving our valuable bromeliads.
Please consider offering your support in one or more of the following ways:
- Support the
weevil research fund: Higher funding levels are
needed to support the research required to test the biological control agent
and produce large quantities for release. Tax-deductible contributions
for weevil research may be sent to the "Florida Council of Bromeliad
Societies - Weevil Fund" at the following address:
Jay Thurrott
713 Breckenridge Drive
Port Orange, FL 32127
email: cajat@aol.com
- Educate others about the weevil problem: Refer to the educational resources that are available to you, including fact sheets and activity guides. School classes, after-school programs, scout groups, and others can learn about the state's native bromeliads and about pest management through biological control by getting involved in the project. Contact us for additional resources if your class or group would like to participate in the project.
- Report weevil sightings: We try to track the spread of the weevil throughout south Florida when possible. If you come across signs of the pest weevil in a place not already listed on the weevil distribution page, please email us or get in touch with one of the project contacts. Please remember that the plants at risk are protected by state law, so do not destroy or remove endangered bromeliads from any property without a state-issued permit. Instead, take pictures if possible, and describe exactly what you saw and where.
- Prevent additional infestations of other bromeliad weevils: If you bring in bromeliads from Central or South America, import only seed, or at least subject any imported bromeliad plants to a pesticide dip, preferably both before leaving the country of origin and after entering Florida.
