Julio C. Medal

E-mail: medal@ifas.ufl.edu

(100% Research)

Education

N Ph.D. 1994. Entomology, University of Arkansas.

N M.S. 1986. Agronomy, West Virginia University.

N M.S.1981. Tropical Crops, University of Costa Rica‑CATIE.

N B.S.1975. Agronomy, University of Nicaragua.

Employment

Visiting Assistant In Entomology. 19 99-present. University of Florida, Gainesville.

Post-doctoral Researcher. 1994-1999. University of Florida, Gainesville.

Graduate Research Assistant. 1991-1994. University of Arkansas.

Biologist II. 1988-1991. University of Florida, Belle Glade.

Graduate Research Assistant. 1983-1986. West Virginia University.

Research Program Coordinator. 1977-1979. Ministry of Agriculture-INTA, Nicaragua.

Professor. 1977-1978. Accounting School, Matagalpa, Nicaragua.

Accomplishments

Release in Florida of the leaf-feeder beetle Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), the first biological control agent against the non-native invasive weed tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum (Solanaceae). Host-specificity testing of the first bio logical control agent, the sawfly Heteroperreyia hubrichi (Hymenoptera: Pergidae), approved by TAG to control the most invasive terrestrial weed, Brazilian Peppertree, Schinus terebenthifolius (Anacardiaceae) in central and south Florida.

Selected Publications

Medal, J.C., D. Gandolfo, and J.P. Cu da. 2003. Biology of Gratiana boliviana, the First Biocontrol Agent Released to Control Tropical Soda Apple in the USA. University of Florida-IFAS Extension Circular ENY-826. 3p.

Medal, J., H. Norambuena, y D. Gandolfo. 2003. Memorias del Primer Curso Latinoamericano de Control Biológico de Malezas. University of Florida-IFAS. 158 p

Medal, J.C., N.C. Coile, D. Gandolfo, and J.P. Cuda. 2002. Status of Biological Control of Tropical Soda Apple, Solanum viarum, in Florida. Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services-Division of Plant Industry. Botany Circular No. 35. 4p.

Medal, J.C., J.P. Cuda, and D.Gandolfo. 2002. Classical Biological Control of Tropical Soda Apple in the USA. University of Florida-IFAS Extension Circular ENY-824. 3p.

Medal. J.C., y H. Norambuena (eds.). 2002. Manual de Control Biológico de Plantas Invasoras. University of Florida-IFAS. 85 p.

Medal, J.C., D. Sudbrink, D. Gandolfo, S. Ohashi, and J.P. Cuda. 2002. Gratiana bolviana, a potential biocontrol agent of Solanum viarum: Quarantine host-specificity testing in Florida and field surveys in South America. BioControl 47: 445-461.

Olckers, T., J.C. Medal, and D. Gandolfo. 2002. Insect herbivores associated with species of Solanum (Solanaceae) in northeastern Argentina and southeastern Paraguay, with reference to biological control of weeds in South Africa and the United States of America. Florida Entomol. 85 (1): 254-260.

Medal, J.C., and J.P. Cuda. 1999. Biological control of invasive weeds in Florida and the Caribbean region. In: Proceedings of the Caribbean Basin Administrative Group Workshop on Approaches to Mitigating the Effects of Exotic Pests on Trade and Agriculture in the Caribbean Region, 16-18 June 1999, Homestead, FL. University of Florida-Tropical Research Education Center, Homestead.

Medal, J.C., D. Gandolfo, R.A. Pitelli, A. Santana, J,P. Cuda, and D. Sudbrink. 1999. Progress and prospects for biological control of Solanum viarum in the USA. In: Proceeding s X International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, 4-9.July 1999, Bozeman, MT. USDA-ARS/Montana State University, Bozeman

Medal, J.C., R.A. Pitelli, A. Santana, D. Gandolfo, R Gravena, and D.H. Habeck. 1999. Host specificity of Metriona elatior Klug (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) a potential biological control agent of tropical soda apple Solanum viarum) Dunal (Solanaceae), in the United States. BioControl 44: 421-436.

Medal, J.C., M.D. Vitorino, D.H. Habeck, J.L. Gillm ore, J.H. Pedrosa, and L.P. De Sousa. 1999. Host Specificity of Heteroperreyia hubrichi Malaise (Hymenoptera: Pergidae). A Potential Biological Control Agent of Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi). Biological Control 14: 60-65.

Habeck, D. H., J. C. Medal, and J. P. Cuda. 1996. Biological control of tropical soda. pp. 69‑71. Proceedings of Tropical Soda Apple Symposium. Bartow, FL. University of Florida‑IFAS. Gainesville, FL.

Medal, J. C., R. Charudattan, J. J. Mulla hey, and R. A. Pitelli. 1996. An exploratory insect survey of tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum in Brazil and Paraguay. Florida Entomol. 79(1): 70‑73.