Biotic resistance and invasional meltdown: consequences of acquired interspecific interactions for an invasive orchid,Spathoglottis plicata in Puerto Rico

Invasiveness of non-native species often depends on acquired interactions with either native or naturalized species. A natural colonizer, the autogamous, invasive orchid Spathoglottis plicata has acquired at least three interspecific interactions in Puerto Rico: a mycorrhizal fungus essential for seed germination and early development; a native, orchid-specialist weevil, Stethobaris polita, which eats perianth parts and oviposits in developing fruits; and ants, primarily invasive Solenopsis invicta, that forage at extrafloral nectaries. We tested in field experiments and from observational data whether weevils affect reproductive success in the orchid; and whether this interaction is density-dependent. We also examined the effectiveness of extrafloral nectaries in attracting ants that ward off weevils. Only at small spatial scales were weevil abundance and flower damage correlated with flower densities. Plants protected from weevils had less floral damage and higher fruit set than those accessible to weevils. The more abundant ants were on inflorescences, the less accessible fruits were to weevils, resulting in reduced fruit loss from larval infections. Ants did not exclude weevils, but they affected weevil activity. Native herbivores generally provide some biotic resistance to plant invasions yet Spathoglottis plicata remains an aggressive colonizer despite the acquisition of a herbivore/seed predator partly because invasive ants attracted to extrafloral nectaries inhibited weevil behavior. Thus, the invasion of one species facilitates the success of another as in invasional meltdowns. For invasive plant species of disturbed habitats, having ant-tended extrafloral nectaries and producing copious quantities of seed, biotic resistance to plant invasions can be minimal.     

Olfactory and visual stimuli used in orientation to conifer seedlings by the pine weevil, Hylobius abietis

Abstract. The influence of noncontact plant cues is investigated on the likelihood that individual conifer seedlings will be found by walking adults of the pine weevil, Hylobius abietis, in the field. Traps with solely odour or solely visual stimuli catch significantly more weevils than stimulus-free traps, and traps with the combination of odour and visual stimuli catch more weevils than traps with odour or visual stimuli alone. There is essentially an additive effect between odour and visual stimuli. The reactions to odour and visual stimuli are similar for three phases of the pine weevil's life cycle associated with three ages of clear-cuttings (i.e. sites where all trees have been harvested). Visual stimuli appear to be at least as important as odour for the pine weevil in finding an undamaged conifer seedling.     

A fungal metabolite masks the host plant odor for the pine weevil (Hylobius abietis)

The pine weevil is one of the most important pest insects of conifer reforestation areas in Europe. Female pine weevils cover their eggs with chewed bark and feces (frass) resulting in avoidance behavior of feeding conspecifics towards egg laying sites. It has been suggested that microorganisms present in the frass may be responsible for producing deterrent compounds for the pine weevil. The fungi Ophiostoma canum, O. pluriannulatum, and yeast Debaryomyces hansenii were isolated from aseptically collected pine-weevil frass. The isolated fungi were cultured on weevil frass broth and their volatiles were collected by SPME and identified by GC–MS. D. hansenii produced methyl salicylate (MeS) as a major compound, whereas, in addition, O. canum and O. pluriannulatum produced 6-protoilludene. In a multi-choice lab bioassay, MeS strongly reduced pine weevil's attraction to the Pinus sylvestris volatiles. Thus, a fungal metabolite was found that strongly affects the pine weevil host-odor search.     

Inbreeding alters a plant-predispersal seed predator interaction

The effect of inbreeding on genetic diversity is expected to decrease plant defences or vigour-related traits that, in turn, can modify the pattern of attack by herbivores. The selective damage caused by herbivores can produce variable fitness costs between inbred and outcrossed progenies influencing the evolution of a species’ plant mating system. By exposing inbred and outcrossed plants to natural conditions of seed predation, we assessed whether inbreeding increases weevil incidence and infestation, and how weevil seed predation affects the fitness of inbred and outcrossed progeny. To test if inbreeding affected the host’s plant quality, we weighed the biomass of weevils developed in inbred and outcrossed progenies. An additional experiment was carried out to examine whether weevils preferentially attack vigorous plants regardless from the level of inbreeding. The average value of leaf size was 21% larger in outcrossed plants than in inbred plants. Likewise, weevil incidence and infestation were 13 and 40%, respectively, higher on outcrossed plants relative to their inbred counterparts. However, the relative impact of seed predation was significantly lower in outcrossed progeny than in inbred progeny. In contrast, inbreeding did not alter host plant quality and weevils developed in inbred and outcrossed plants had a similar biomass. Variations in fruit number were consistently associated with the infestation level in both experiments, whereas leaf size only predicted the number of weevils in one experiment, suggesting that fruit number is the most influential vigour-related characteristic of a weevil attack. These findings indicate that the costs of inbreeding of the interaction D. stramonium-T. soror were higher for inbred plants than for outcrossed plants. The interaction between seed predation and inbreeding depression could prevent the fixation of selfing as a unique reproductive strategy in D. stramonium.     

Impact of deltamethrin aerial sprays on adult Cyrtobagous salviniae in Botswana

The risk and effect of the insecticide deltamethrin, applied aerially in Botswana to control and eradicate tsetse fly, was studied on the non-target weevil Cyrtobagous salviniae, a biocontrol agent of the aquatic weed Salvinia molesta. Environmentally-simulated short-term toxicity bioassay used open iron cages and closed plastic basins containing weevils and salvinia placed in riverine water bodies, where they were exposed to the aerial applications of deltamethrin over the Kwando–Linyanti system in 2006. Control samples were placed 40 km outside the sprayed area. Weevil mortality, determined at 12, 36 and 60 hours after the aerial application, reached a maximum of 27%. No significant difference in mortalities was observed between the closed basins and the open cages. The amount of deltamethrin deposited at ground level was between 1.2 and 6.4 μg m^?2  and the insecticide toxicity was related to the weevil mortality. Simultaneous field monitoring through five spray applications showed that weevil abundance declined in late winter. Deltamethrin had a negligible impact on the weevil's ability to control salvinia under field conditions, probably due to the weevils’ protective mechanism and because vegetation could act as a barrier, preventing the insecticide from reaching the weevils. Minimum impacts of deltamethrin on the weevils in the present study and their recovery in the field are consistent with those of earlier spray applications in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.     

Mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) and weevil (Rhinoncomimus latipes) response to varying moisture and temperature conditions

The combined effects of herbivory and water stress on growth and reproduction of mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata (L.) H. Gross) were investigated in greenhouse trials over two years, with well-watered or water-limited plants either exposed or not exposed to herbivory by the mile-a-minute weevil (Rhinoncomimus latipes Korotyaev). Moisture limitation and weevil herbivory significantly reduced the number of seeds produced by P. perfoliata, with the fewest seeds produced when both factors were present. Seed weight was reduced by moisture limitation and weevil herbivory the second year, and seed viability was reduced by herbivory both years. Plant biomass was lower both years under conditions of water limitation, with an additional effect of herbivory the second year. Well-watered plants the second year also produced substantially more weevils than water-limited plants by the end of the season. Results are consistent with field observations suggesting that years of high rainfall allow resurgence of P. perfoliata plant populations that were previously suppressed by R. latipes. An additional environmental chamber trial assessed the interaction between the weed and weevil at two different temperatures. Here, plant mortality occurred only at the higher temperature with weevil herbivory, suggesting that herbivory has a greater negative effect on P. perfoliata under warm conditions. Additional studies on temperature effects are needed for a more complete understanding of interactions between P. perfoliata and R. latipes under different abiotic conditions.     

Host-plant acceptance on mineral soil and humus by the pine weevil Hylobius abietis (L.)

1 The pine weevil Hylobius abietis (L.) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) is an economically important pest of conifer forest regeneration in Europe and Asia. 2 Soil scarification, which usually exposes mineral soil, is widely used to protect seedlings from weevil attack. However, the mechanism behind this protective effect is not yet fully understood. 3 Field experiments were conducted to determine the pine weevil's responses to visual and odour stimuli from seedlings when moving on mineral soil and on undisturbed humus surface. 4 One experiment measured the number of pine weevils approaching seedlings, with and without added host odour, on mineral soil and undisturbed humus. Seedlings with added host odour attracted more weevils on both soil types. Unexpectedly, somewhat more weevils approached seedlings surrounded by mineral soil. 5 In a similar experiment, feeding attacks on seedlings planted directly in the soil were recorded. Only half as many seedlings were attacked on mineral soil as on undisturbed humus. 6 In the first experiment, the weevils were trapped 2.5 cm from the bases of the seedlings' stems, whereas they could reach the seedlings in the experiment where seedlings were planted directly in the soil. We conclude that the pine weevils' decision on whether or not to feed on a seedling is strongly influenced by the surrounding soil type and that this decision is taken in the close vicinity of the seedling. The presence of pure mineral soil around the seedling strongly reduces the likelihood that an approaching pine weevil will feed on it.     

Estimating dispersal rate of the silky cane weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)*

Abstract: The objective of this study was to estimate the silky cane weevil rate of dispersal under near‐natural conditions inside a screened enclosure where an array of buckets was baited with cut sugarcane stalks. One hundred weevils were released and weevils inside the buckets were counted hourly for 8 h, and then 24 and 48 h after release. A passive diffusion model was used to estimate the weevil's dispersal and disappearance rates, within and between rows of buckets with sugarcane. The weevils concentrated around the release point and slowly moved towards the boundaries of the experimental plot over time with an overall average dispersal rate of 2.8 ± 3.58 cm²/h. Dispersal and disappearance rates within and between rows were not significantly different among the time intervals considered (1–8, 8–24 and 24–48 h after release) except for the 1–8 time interval on the array representing the release point when the dispersal rate, D, was significantly higher than those at other time intervals. Continuum of the substratum to disperse from one side of the array to another via a wooden bridge may explain the higher dispersal rate through this array. The number of buckets exposed to the sun during the morning hours was significantly higher on those rows exposed to the sun (south side of the screen enclosure) than on the shaded side. Longer times of bucket exposure to the sun may explain the predominant distribution of weevils in that area suggesting that the weevil population is constantly expanding and retracting according to micro environmental conditions.     

Impact of herbivory on mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) seed production and viability

The monophagous weevil Rhinoncomimus latipes Korotyaev (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has been introduced into North America as a biological control agent for the invasive vine mile-a-minute weed, Persicaria perfoliata (L.) H. Gross. This weevil has been shown to reduce the percent cover of mile-a-minute and the number of seed clusters produced, as well as altering the phenology of seed production. However, prior work has not examined the potential impact of the weevil on seed viability and numbers of seeds per cluster. When both adult and larval weevils fed on whole plants in the greenhouse, seed production and fruit maturation were delayed and both the total number of seeds and number of seeds per cluster were reduced. Overall, weevils in greenhouse cages reduced the reproductive potential of P. perfoliata by 35%. When adult weevils were confined on developing seed clusters in the field, the number of seeds produced per cluster, the weight of seeds produced, and seed viability all decreased. Overall, the number of viable seeds per cluster was reduced by 37% in the presence of adult weevils. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that this biological control agent can have important impacts on the reproductive potential of its target weed through mechanisms that have not previously been shown.     

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus intraradices) on the oviposition of rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus)

Root-feeding insects are important drivers in ecosystems, and links between aboveground oviposition preference and belowground larval performance have been suggested. The root-colonizing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a central role in plant nutrition and are known to change host quality for root-feeding insects. However, it is not known if and how AMF affect the aboveground oviposition of insects whose offspring feed on roots. According to the preference–performance hypothesis, insect herbivores oviposit on plants that will maximize offspring performance. In a greenhouse experiment with rice (Oryza sativa), we investigated the effects of AMF (Glomus intraradices) on aboveground oviposition of rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus), the larvae of which feed belowground on the roots. Oviposition (i.e., the numbers of eggs laid by weevil females in leaf sheaths) was enhanced when the plants were colonized by AMF. However, the leaf area consumed by adult weevils was not affected. Although AMF reduced plant biomass, it increased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus concentrations in leaves and N in roots. The results suggest that rice water weevil females are able to discriminate plants for oviposition depending on their mycorrhizal status. The discrimination is probably related to AMF-mediated changes in plant quality, i.e., the females choose to oviposit more on plants with higher nutrient concentrations to potentially optimize offspring performance. AMF-mediated change in plant host choice for chewing insect oviposition is a novel aspect of below- and aboveground interactions.     

Impact of the biological control agent Rhinoncomimus latipes (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on mile-a-minute weed,Persicaria perfoliata,in field cages

A host-specific Asian weevil, Rhinoncomimus latipes Korotyaev, was approved in 2004 for release in North America for control of mile-a-minute weed, Persicaria perfoliata (L.) H. Gross (formerly Polygonum perfoliatum L.), an invasive annual vine from Asia. The impact of R. latipes feeding on P. perfoliata was studied in field cages over a 2-year period. In 2006, 20 weevils introduced into cages with single plants in May (when weevils first emerge from overwintering) suppressed seed production for about 9 weeks, while weevils introduced in June (when the first summer generation of adults emerge) did not affect seed phenology. Plants in all cages produced substantial numbers of seeds late in the year, but the average seed (achene) weight was reduced for plants with 20 weevils per plant introduced in May. In 2007, plants grown with some competition from other plants within field cages showed substantial mortality, with 63% of plants with 10 or 20 weevils and 75% of plants with 40 weevils per plant dead by mid-August, compared with 12.5% of control plants. Reproduction was delayed by more than a month in surviving plants with 10 or 20 weevils, and by more than 2 months in the few survivors with 40 weevils. Surviving plants with 40 weevils per plant showed loss of apical dominance, which can allow plants to compensate for herbivore damage, but in the case of a light-adapted vine like P. perfoliata may prevent the plants from achieving needed sun exposure. These results suggest that R. latipes feeding on P. perfoliata has the potential to impact plant growth and reproduction, and can put affected plants at a substantial competitive disadvantage.     

槲栎超寄生橡子内象甲幼虫的适应对策

栎属植物的橡子常常受到象甲的侵害, 对橡子存活产生影响, 但有关橡子对象甲幼虫适合度影响的研究尚未见报道。本研究旨在通过对槲栎Quercus aliena种子雨进程以及象甲幼虫逃逸过程的调查, 研究二者之间的进化适应关系。结果表明： 当年槲栎的种子产量为51.92±29.26粒/m², 虫蛀率达到42.4%。虫蛀的橡子中65%以上被象甲超寄生, 且显著大于完好的橡子。在种子下落过程中, 早期从橡子中逃逸的象甲幼虫要比后期逃逸的大。对某一超寄生的橡子而言, 首先逃逸出的象甲幼虫要比随后逃逸的幼虫大。另外, 从早期脱落的橡子中逃逸的幼虫明显小于后期脱落的橡子。象甲幼虫的干重随着橡子内象甲幼虫数量的增加而显著下降。象甲幼虫寄生数量与橡子的长径和短径呈现明显的正相关关系。尽管超寄生降低了象甲虫的适合度, 但雌性成体象甲产卵过程中偏好选择大橡子在一定程度上可以减少这种不利影响。因此, 小橡子可能更容易逃脱象甲的超寄生而获得较大的存活机会。     

Assessing the biological control of yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis L): prospective analysis of the impact of the rosette weevil (Ceratapion basicorne (Illiger))

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Stratification and seasonal dynamics of weevil (Coleoptera,Curculionoidea) assemblages in the North Caspian semi-desert

In 2003–2004, 102 species of five weevil families were found in the steppe and desert associations of the Caspian semi-desert (Dzhanybek Station). Representatives of Curculionidae predominated (87 species). The majority of the commonest weevil species (20) were most abundant in the steppe associations, only 6 species being found in the desert ones. The composition of the weevil community changed abruptly from spring to summer. The greatest species richness (86 species) was observed in spring; only in this period weevils living mostly on the soil surface had high densities. In the herbage, both in the steppe and desert communities, detritophagous steppe species Archaeophloeus inermis and Trachyphloeus amplithorax were abundant; the habitats of the solonetz complex (on microelevations and in the depressions), the desert-steppe and steppe species (Humeromima nitida, Mesagroicus poriventris, Temnorhinus strabus) associated with saline substrates were also present. The spring hortobiont assemblage was dominated by the polyphagous steppe weevils, Euidosomus acuminatus, Phyllobius brevis and Omias spp. In summer, 53 species of weevils were recorded; their numbers on the soil surface sharply dropped, the core of the herbage assemblage consisted of the weevils feeding on alfalfa (Stenopterapion tenue, Sitona spp., Tychius spp.) in the steppe associations, with the maximum abundance in the more humid depressions. The summer assemblage of the desert herbage was poor and consisted of the species associated with wormwoods and chenopods (Ptochus porcellus, Phacephorus argyrostomus, Metadonus anceps). The autumn groupings with only 24 species were poor and had low population densities.     

Identification of rice cultivars resistant to Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and their use in an integrated management program

The rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, is the most destructive insect pest of rice in the United States and is a particularly severe pest in Louisiana. The current management program for this insect in Louisiana relies heavily on insecticides, most notably the seed treatment fipronil (Icon). Diversification of the management program by incorporation of alternative strategies is needed to improve the effectiveness and long-term stability of the program. In the three experiments reported here, three components of a diversified management program for the rice water weevil in Louisiana--host plant resistance, treatment of seeds with Icon, aid the cultural practice of delayed flooding--were investigated. Comparison of the densities of weevil larvae on the roots of several commercial cultivars indicated that the long-grain cultivar 'Jefferson' was more resistant to infestation by the rice water weevil than the other cultivars. The medium-grain cultivars 'Bengal', 'Earl' and 'Mars' and the long-grain variety 'Cocodrie' were the most susceptible to infestation. Comparison of yield data from untreated plots and plots treated with Icon indicated that the long-grain cultivars Cocodrie, Lemont, and Jefferson were more tolerant of weevil injury than the other cultivars. A 2-wk delay in flooding was associated with yield benefits in plots not treated with Icon. Treatment of seeds with Icon controlled weevils in all three screening experiments. The implications of these results for the development of an integrated management program for the rice water weevil are discussed.     

Effect of population density of the Azolla weevil (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Stenopelmus rufinasus</Emphasis>) on the surface cover of the water fern (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Azolla filiculoides</Emphasis>) in the UK

Azolla filiculoides Lamarck (Azollaceae) (water fern), is an invasive floating macrophyte capable of rapid growth leading to the complete coverage of water surfaces. The North American weevil Stenopelmus rufinasus, Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a biological control agent that has become naturalised in the UK. To determine the effects of the weevil on A. filiculoides in ‘semi-controlled’ conditions, weevils were introduced at four stocking densities into outdoor floating tanks containing A. filiculoides. The introduction of weevils at all densities resulted in a significant decline in percentage cover of A. filiculoides compared to the control. Increasing weevil stocking density resulted in a more rapid reduction in the area of green A. filiculoides. The highest stocking density of 400 weevils per m² caused complete kill within a month of introduction. The UK summer provides conditions that are suitable for weevil reproduction and herbivory, and even the lowest stocking density of weevils tested (100 weevils per m²) can have a substantial impact on the surface cover of A. filiculoides. Although the weevil is effective in summer, augmentation is required annually for reliable control.     

BCWEEVIL: A simulation model of the joint population dynamics between spruce weevil and Sitka spruce,over the lifetime of a plantation

The spruce terminal weevil Pissodes strobi (Peck) is a major pest in western spruces, attacking trees of all ages beyond the juvenile stage, killing the leader and causing tree distortion. This paper describes a computer simulation model of the joint population dynamics within this tree/pest system, over the lifetime of a plantation, and is combined with the Province of British Columbia's Tree and Stand Simulator (TASS) to drive individual tree growth and stand establishment and development. The model differs from current models of this system, and of other similar systems, in two important ways: (1) it simulates the entire life of a stand, from planting until harvest, and (2) it is based on the underlying biological processes that govern behavior of individual weevils on and in each tree.Each model simulation begins by planting a stand using tree materials from seed or clonal hedge orchards, choosing trees either individually and independently or in groups represented as clones or families. Stand growth and mortality are advanced through a juvenile period, after which weevils appear in the stand. From this time until harvest, the model simulates daily changes in the weevil populations on each tree, tracking mortality, oviposition, and juvenile maturation and emergence, as well as weevil movement from tree to tree. Once a year, the code projects tree mortality and growth, taking into account within-stand competition and damage to leaders caused by weevil attacks. At harvest, the model computes an estimate of the merchantable timber produced by the stand.As illustrations of model output, we present (1) simulated average numbers of adult and juvenile weevils in stands generated using materials from seed orchards, both throughout a single season and also through the years from stand planting until harvest; and (2) the differential effect of weevil damage on two tree genotypes, one resistant and one susceptible, in a stand composed of adjacent clonal blocks. The results of model simulations are in agreement with some of the population dynamics statistics observed in plantations, suggesting that the model reflects biological realism and can be used as a research or management tool.     

The unique interaction between the summer annual desert plant Salsola inermis Forssk and weevils residing on its roots: mutualism or parasitism?

1. Herbivores and parasites are likely to impose less damage on their host when their growth rate is slow and their dependency on the host is high. Accordingly, it was hypothesised that evolution would favour neutral or even beneficial interactions between a below-ground herbivore and a plant during the harsh season in a desert ecosystem. 2. This study characterised the relationship between the summer annual plant Salsola inermis Forssk (Chenopodiaceae) and weevils developing in a mud chamber attached to its roots in the Negev Desert of Israel. Plant seedlings were exposed to adult weevils (Conorhynchus palumbus Olivier or Menecleonus virgatus Schoenherr; Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in a controlled outside setting, to induce oviposition and larval establishment. The following were quantified: plant growth, above-ground biomass, fruit biomass, and fruit size, as well as relative C and N contents, and isotopic signatures (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) in plant tissues. 3. Exposure to weevils did not reduce plant survival but significantly and negatively affected plant growth and seed production. However, these effects were mainly due to above-ground herbivory by adults rather than root herbivory by larvae, and might have been overestimated. Interestingly, %N and δ¹⁵N were significantly higher, and the C:N ratio was significantly lower, in plants with larval establishment, suggesting that weevils affect the plant nitrogen budget. 4. The overall results do not support the notion of mutualistic interactions; yet, slow consumption, a low infestation level, and, possibly, N supplementation to the plant may enable the plant to tolerate herbivory under natural conditions.     

Prior host feeding experience influences ovipositional but not feeding preference in a polyphagous insect herbivore

Black vine weevils, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), are globally‐distributed polyphagous pests of many horticultural crops. We investigated how adult weevils were affected by host switching and, in particular, how host plant species nutritional and defensive chemistry affected subsequent host plant species selection and oviposition. Adults were fed one of three host plant species, blackcurrant [Ribes nigrum L. (Grossulariaceae)], raspberry [Rubus idaeus L. (Rosaceae)], or strawberry [Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne (Rosaceae)], throughout their pre‐reproductive periods and then subjected to behavioral choice assays with these plants. Foliar chemistry differed significantly among the three host plant species. Compared to raspberry and strawberry foliage, blackcurrant foliage was 13% lower in nitrogen, 3% higher in carbon, and 28% higher in phenolic compounds. Initial host plant species had a significant effect on weevil mortality, with more weevils dying when previously fed blackcurrant (12%) than strawberry (3%) or raspberry (0%) regardless of subsequent host. Initial host plant species also affected oviposition, with weevils laying only ca. two eggs per week when previously fed blackcurrant, compared to those on raspberry or strawberry (ca. 11 and 15 eggs per week, respectively). When given a choice, weevils discriminated among host plant species and tended to oviposit on plants on which they had previously fed, even when the plant was nutritionally inferior for egg production and adult survival. In contrast, feeding behavior was only affected by the current host plant species. Feeding and oviposition were related to leaf chemistry only in blackcurrant, as leaf consumption was negatively correlated with foliar carbon and zinc concentrations, and positively correlated with foliar phosphorus and potassium concentrations.     

Effects of Rhinoncomimus latipes on the growth and reproduction of Persicaria perfoliata,an invasive plant in North America

Native to Asia, mile-a-minute Persicaria perfoliata, is an invasive weed in North America, and the weevil Rhinoncomimus latipes is a host-specific insect agent which occurs widely in China. We conducted a common garden experiment to compare P. perfoliata plant responses of native and invasive populations to herbivory by the weevils from different origins. We found weevils from Hunan, Hubei and Heilongjiang Provinces had strong, moderate and weak ability to suppress host plant, respectively. Weevils from Hunan and Hubei Provinces had stronger impact on the growth of both native and invasive plant populations than the weevil from Heilongjiang Province. The losses in seed output of invasive plants were also significantly greater than natives in the weevil treatments. Our results suggested that the weevil population from Hunan Province may be the most suitable for the control of mile-a-minute, while the population from Heilongjiang Province may be the least suitable due to climate matching.