沿海拔梯度的表型可塑性影响银胶菊叶甲的取食效率和发育(英文)

【目的】本研究旨在弄清楚生态气候因子是否影响尼泊尔银胶菊Parthenium hysterophorus盛产区中银胶菊叶甲Zygogramma bicolorata成虫后代的形态学测量参数和基础生物学。【方法】 从尼泊尔Kathmandu (24℃, 海拔1 400 m, 温带气候), Chitwan (25℃, 海拔415 m, 热带或亚热带气候)和Mahendranagar (34℃, 海拔229 m, 湿润 亚热带气候)地区采集银胶菊叶甲成虫,在最适室内条件下评估各生态气候区中其F₁代4龄幼虫和雌成虫的取食特征。我们假定在自由取食和最适非生物条件下饲养的后代将不会受到食物和气温的间接影响,不管亲本属于哪一生态气候区,后代利用食物的能力一致。【结果】然而,我们发现,尽管在最适条件下饲养,银胶菊叶甲后代的体型和取食特征与其亲本相似。体型大的亲本(来自Kathmandu地区),其后代体型也大,但是其食物利用效率比体型小的亲本(来自Chitwan 和Mahendranagar地区)所产后代小。这3个生态气候区中,与幼虫相比正在发育的雌成虫均表现出体重增加而食物利用效率降低。【结论】这些发现说明,食物和最适非生物条件的间接影响可能不影响银胶菊叶甲后代的表型可塑性,后代的体型和取食特征与亲本相似。发生的可遗传的变化可能是由于种内的遗传多样性。我们期望这些发现有助于理解气候变化背景下银胶菊叶甲成虫的表型可塑性、分布格局和取食行为。     

银胶菊叶和花提取物对南方根结线虫的毒杀活性比较

为进一步明确银胶菊(Parthenium hysterophorus L.)的杀线虫活性,对银胶菊叶和花的不同溶剂提取物、甲醇提取物的不同萃取物以及甲醇提取物碱水层的不同极性组分对南方根结线虫(Meloidogyne incognita Chitwood)的杀虫活性进行了检测,并对不同提取物、萃取物和萃取组分进行了生物碱的定性分析.结果表明:银胶菊叶和花的蒸馏水、甲醇、乙酸乙酯和石油醚提取物的得率分别为24.5％和20.3％、19.6％和10.9％、6.8％和7.7％、2.0％和2.7％,其中,叶和花的蒸馏水和甲醇提取物的杀线虫活性均较强,而石油醚提取物的杀线虫活性最弱.用质量体积分数1.0％和0.5％的叶和花蒸馏水提取物分别处理24和48 h后试虫的校正死亡率均达到100.00％;用质量体积分数1.0％和0.5％的叶和花甲醇提取物处理48 h,试虫的校正死亡率均大于90％.叶和花甲醇提取物的碱水层、三氯甲烷Ⅰ层和Ⅱ层萃取物均具有一定的杀线虫活性,其中,用质量体积分数1.0％的花和叶碱水层萃取物以及花的三氯甲烷Ⅰ层萃取物分别处理48 h,试虫的校正死亡率均为100.00％,而三氯甲烷Ⅱ层萃取物的杀线虫活性最弱.银胶菊叶和花甲醇提取物碱水层的11个不同极性组分(A1～A11)也表现出不同程度的杀线虫活性,其中,用质量体积分数0.2％和0.1％花的A2[溶剂为V(三氯甲烷)∶V(甲醇)=10∶1]和A7[溶剂为V(三氯甲烷)∶v甲醇)=1∶1]组分以及叶的A2和A6[溶剂为V(三氯甲烷)∶V(甲醇)=2∶1]组分处理48 h后,试虫的校正死亡率均达100.00％,显著高于其他组分.定性实验结果表明:银胶菊叶和花中具有杀线虫活性的提取物、萃取物和萃取组分中均含有生物碱.研究结果说明:银胶菊花的杀线虫活性高于叶片,其毒杀活性不仅与提取部位及溶剂的种类和极性有关,还与提取物浓度及作用时间等因素有关.     

喙尾琵甲成虫存活及产卵量的影响因子

喙尾琵甲是云南民间常用的一种药用昆虫,缺少有效的人工繁育技术保障其可持续利用。本文以喙尾琵甲生境地常见食物、温度、光周期、种群密度和性比共5个因素研究对该昆虫存活及产卵量的影响,以期找出适合其生长发育的食物、生态因子和种群结构。结果显示:(1)麦麸、仔鸡饲料及二者混合饲喂的成虫的产卵量均显著高于秸秆类食物(P0.05),死亡率则相反,其中,以仔鸡饲料饲喂的死亡率最低6.4%±4.95%,产卵量最高,单雌日平均产卵量为1.25±0.63枚;(2)22℃恒温条件下的产卵量显著区别于其余试验组(P0.05),单雌日产卵量达1.93±0.98枚,30℃恒温条件下的存活率低于10℃-25℃的5个试验组;(3)等光照12 L∶12 D下的单雌日产卵量(0.42±0.25枚)最低,与其余试验组显著差异(P0.05),但不同光周期下成虫存活率的差异不显著(P0.05);(4)在2.10-10.52头/dm~2的种群密度梯度区间,产卵量较高,继续增加密度则导致产卵量的下降,但在实验区间内,种群密度对成虫存活率的影响不显著(P0.05);(5)性比对成虫产卵量的影响显著(P0.05),♀∶♂=1∶1时的存活率和单雌平均产卵量均最高,分别为98.5%±1.86%和1.87±0.86枚/d。研究表明,以麦麸和仔鸡饲料为食物、22℃恒温、非等光周期(12L∶12D)、10.52头/dm~2以下的种群密度及♀∶♂=1∶1有利于喙尾琵甲成虫的存活及产卵。     

不同寄主植物上马铃薯甲虫种群生长发育的比较研究

马铃薯甲虫Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)是马铃薯Solanum tuberosum等茄科作物上的一种毁灭性害虫。为了探明寄主植物对新疆马铃薯甲虫种群生长发育的影响, 本研究通过非选择性试验测定了马铃薯、 茄子Solanum melongena和番茄Lycopersicon esculentum 3种栽培寄主及野生寄主中亚天仙子Hyoscyamus pusillus对马铃薯甲虫种群生长发育、 存活、 繁殖及生命表参数的影响。结果表明： 马铃薯甲虫幼虫虽然能够取食番茄, 但幼虫的发育历期长、 存活率低且蛹不能羽化, 表明番茄不是新疆马铃薯甲虫种群的适宜寄主。马铃薯、 茄子、 中亚天仙子3种寄主植物对该虫卵、 幼虫、 蛹的存活率和发育历期及成虫产卵前期没有显著影响, 但对蛹重和繁殖力影响显著。取食不同寄主植物后, 该虫蛹重和繁殖力从大到小的次序为： 马铃薯＞茄子＞中亚天仙子; 种群的净增殖率(R₀)、 内禀增长率(r_m)和种群趋势指数(I)从大到小依次为： 马铃薯＞茄子＞中亚天仙子。因此马铃薯为新疆马铃薯甲虫种群的最适宜寄主, 其次为茄子和中亚天仙子, 而番茄为不适宜寄主。     

沙巴拟刀角瓢虫生物学特性研究

探究以烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci Gennadius为食料,沙巴拟刀角瓢虫Serangiella sababensis Sasaji的生物学特性,为利用沙巴拟刀角瓢虫控制烟粉虱提供理论依据。本试验在实验室条件下观察取食烟粉虱的沙巴拟刀角瓢虫各虫态的形态特征、生活习性、不同虫态的发育历期、存活率和繁殖力,并计算沙巴拟刀角瓢虫生命表参数。结果表明,在26±1℃、L∶D=14∶10、相对湿度75%±10%的条件下,以烟粉虱卵和若虫为食的沙巴拟刀角瓢虫的世代历期分别为18.82 d和17.75 d,世代存活率分别为65.53%和75.00%,成虫寿命分别为106.65 d和105.58 d,每雌产卵量分别为286.20粒和366.67粒。以烟粉虱卵和若虫为食的沙巴拟刀角瓢虫的内禀增长率(rm)分别为0.0581和0.0780,净增殖率(R0)分别为107.0338和147.8748,平均世代历期(T)分别为80.3985和64.0385,周限增长率(λ)分别为1.0598和1.0811。研究发现,取食烟粉虱若虫的沙巴拟刀角瓢虫世代发育历期短于取食卵的世代发育历期,繁殖率也高于后者,烟粉虱若虫比烟粉虱卵更适宜作为沙巴拟刀角瓢虫规模化生产的食料。     

光周期和LED光源对茄二十八星瓢虫成虫行为的影响

【目的】探明光周期和LED光源对茄二十八星瓢虫Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata成虫取食、移动、交配和产卵等行为的影响,为该害虫的预测预报和综合治理提供科学依据和技术指导。【方法】在光期光源为白色日光灯,光照强度约为500 lx, RH 75%±2%条件下观察并记录了30℃时6个不同光周期(16L∶8D, 15L∶9D, 14L∶10D, 13L∶11D, 12L∶12D和11L∶13D)下茄二十八星瓢虫成虫取食、移动、交配和产卵行为;26℃时暗期以不使用光照(12L∶12D)为对照,使用红、黄、蓝、绿和白光5个不同LED光照(分别记为12L∶12R, 12L∶12Y, 12L∶12B, 12L∶12G和12L∶12W)下茄二十八星瓢虫成虫取食、移动、交配和产卵行为。【结果】当光照时长从13 h延长至16 h时,茄二十八星瓢虫成虫取食频次有增加的趋势;当光照时长从12 h延长至15 h时,产卵量有增加的趋势。光周期为14L∶10D和13L∶11D时,成虫取食频次(分别为45.25和25.00次/5对)显著低于其他光周期下,光周期11L∶13D下产卵量(仅有7.25粒/5♀)显著低于其他光周期下。蓝光处理组取食频次(112.50次/5对)显著高于黄光和绿光处理组(分别为77.0和66.25次/5对);黄光和绿光处理组产卵量(分别为261.50和285.50粒/5♀)显著高于对照组。【结论】延长光照时间,茄二十八星瓢虫成虫取食频次和产卵量均有增加趋势;暗期使用蓝光时成虫取食频次增加,而使用黄光和绿光时则产卵量增加。光周期和LED光源对其移动和交配行为影响不显著。     

光周期对两种色型豌豆蚜种群参数的影响

为探讨光周期对红绿两种色型豌豆蚜种群增长的影响,于室内模拟光周期22L∶2D、16L∶8D、10L∶14D和4L∶20D四个水平,研究了红绿两种色型豌豆蚜的发育、繁殖和生命表。结果表明:相对于其它光周期,在光周期22L∶2D时,红绿两种色型豌豆蚜若蚜存活率最高,繁殖力最强;其红色型豌豆蚜种群增长内禀增长率(r_m=0.3263)高于绿色型豌豆(r_m=0.2863)。光周期16L∶8D时,红色型豌豆蚜的若蚜存活率(72.22%)高于绿色型豌豆蚜(69.45%),而成蚜寿命(6.58d)较短;但绿色型豌豆蚜内禀增长率(r_m=0.2648)高于红色型豌豆蚜(r_m=0.2249),其种群繁殖力强。光周期10L∶14D时,红色型豌豆蚜与绿色型豌豆蚜相比,若蚜存活率(80.55%)高,内禀增长率(r_m=0.2490)高,种群增长力强,而绿色型豌豆蚜成蚜寿命(12.71d)较长。光周期4L∶20D时,两种色型豌豆蚜若蚜存活率最低,繁殖力最弱,成蚜寿命显著延长;红色型豌豆蚜若蚜存活率(64.67%)高于绿色型(35.50%),成蚜没有产生后代;绿色型豌豆蚜内禀增长率(r_m=-0.0366),其种群为负增长。综上,短光照条件(4L∶20D)延长了两种色型豌豆蚜的若蚜发育历期及成蚜寿命,降低了若蚜存活率、繁殖力及生命表各项参数;长光照条件(22L∶2D)缩短了两种色型豌豆蚜的若蚜发育历期及成蚜寿命,若蚜存活率高、繁殖力强;红色型豌豆蚜更适宜光周期10L∶14D,而绿色型豌豆蚜更适宜光周期16L∶8D。     

斜纹夜蛾取食四种植物对马尼拉侧沟茧蜂发育和繁殖的影响

研究斜纹夜蛾Spodoptera litura幼虫取食4种植物后对马尼拉侧沟茧蜂Microplitis manilae生长发育和繁殖的影响,为利用该蜂开展斜纹夜蛾的生物防治提供理论依据。在人工气候箱内(26℃±1℃、RH 65%±5%、L∶D=12∶12)研究了斜纹夜蛾取食豇豆Vigna unguiculata、芋艿Colocasia esculenta、烟草Nicotiana tabacum和芥蓝Brassica alboglabra 4种植物对马尼拉侧沟茧蜂的生长发育和繁殖的影响。结果表明:马尼拉侧沟茧蜂寄生取食豇豆的夜蛾幼虫,其幼虫期最短,化蛹率、羽化率和累计存活率最高,性比最低,寿命最长;寄生取食烟草的夜蛾幼虫,其幼虫期最长,化蛹率、羽化率和累计存活率最低,蛹重最轻,蛹期最长;从取食芥蓝的斜纹夜蛾幼虫体内育出的雌蜂产卵量最高,但成蜂寿命最短;斜纹夜蛾取食4种植物对雌蜂个体大小无显著影响,但取食烟草的夜蛾幼虫体内育出的雄蜂个体最小。马尼拉侧沟茧蜂寄生取食不同植物的斜纹夜蛾幼虫,马尼拉侧沟茧蜂的发育和繁殖存在显著差异。     

六斑月瓢虫取食不同猎物的生长发育及繁殖特性

六斑月瓢虫是我国农、林、蔬、果生态系统中重要的捕食性天敌之一,能够捕食多种猎物。不同的猎物质量显著影响捕食性天敌昆虫的活力。为评价取食不同猎物对六斑月瓢虫生物学特性的影响,采用实验种群生命表的方法研究了六斑月瓢虫取食烟粉虱、豆蚜和玉米蚜的生长发育和繁殖情况。结果表明,六斑月瓢虫取食烟粉虱的世代发育历期最长、存活率、雌虫寿命和繁殖力最低,分别为(26.15±0.42)d、(52.95±1.98)%、(53.73±2.17)d和(157.67±16.79)粒/雌;而取食玉米蚜的世代发育历期最短、存活率、雌虫寿命和繁殖力最高,分别为(16.40±0.49)d、(77.93±0.76)%、(68.33±4.31)d和(798.77±44.29)粒/雌;取食豆蚜时的各生物学参数介于两者之间。种群生命表参数也反映了类似的结果,取食烟粉虱的净增殖率(R0)、内禀增长率(r_m)和周限增长率(λ)最低分别为71.216、0.092和1.094,世代平均历期(T)最长为47.377d;取食玉米蚜的R_0、r_m和λ最高分别为290.281、0.131和1.143,T最短为42.428d。总体来看,相对于烟粉虱而言,蚜虫更适合六斑月瓢虫的生长发育和繁殖,且玉米蚜优于豆蚜。     

光周期对内蒙古三种草原蝗虫高龄若虫发育、存活、羽化、生殖的影响

研究不同光周期(L8∶D16、L12∶D12及L16∶D8)对毛足棒角蝗Dasyhippus barbipes(F.-W.),亚洲小车蝗Oedaleus decorus asiaticus B.-Bidenko,小翅雏蝗Chorthippus fallax(Zub.)3种草原蝗虫高龄若虫的发育、存活、羽化、生殖的影响。结果表明:在白天温度(28±1)℃,黑夜温度(23±1)℃的恒定温度下,不同光周期对毛足棒角蝗和亚洲小车蝗高龄若虫的发育、羽化、产卵影响不大,但是对其存活率有极显著的影响:毛足棒角蝗和亚洲小车蝗高龄若虫到成虫的发育速度在中光照下(L12∶D12)最快。而在短光照(L8∶D16)下更有利于小翅雏蝗若虫发育,其次是中光照;毛足棒角蝗的羽化在中光照条件下最适宜,而长光照时数(L16∶D8)更有利于亚洲小车蝗和小翅雏蝗的羽化;光周期对亚洲小车蝗产卵影响最为明显,毛足棒角蝗和亚洲小车蝗在中光照和长光照时数条件下有利于它们产卵,而小翅雏蝗在短光照和中光照时数下有利于产卵。     

Prolonged copula duration in the parthenium beetle,Zygogramma bicolorata: an alternative male tactic to amplify sperm transfer,reproductive attributes,and paternity outcomes

Male traits are expected to evolve on the basis that they help maximize reproductive success. Prolonged copula duration is a commonly observed trait and this may sometimes be an adaptive male tactic that results in increased paternity against rival males. This study evaluated direct and indirect influences of prolonged copula duration on reproduction and offspring development in the parthenium beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Prolonged copula duration was correlated with a reduction in the time until oviposition and with increased fecundity in female beetles. Furthermore, extended copula duration was correlated with increased offspring survival and reduced offspring development times. Thus, there appear to be both direct and indirect benefits associated with prolonged copula in the parthenium beetle (i.e., increased adult reproductive performance and improved offspring fitness). Possible explanations for these reproductive benefits may be that a longer copula increases the availability of sperm for females and seminal fluid may boost maternal protein reserves which can then be invested in higher quality of offspring.     

Seasonal variation in the effectiveness of the leaf-feeding beetle Zygogramma bicolorata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and stem-galling moth Epiblema strenuana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) as biocontrol agents on the weed Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae)

Variation in the effectiveness of biocontrol agents on the weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. was evaluated at two properties (Mount Panorama and Plain Creek) in Queensland, Australia for four years (1996-2000) using a pesticide exclusion experiment. At Mount Panorama, higher levels of defoliation by the leaf-feeding beetle Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister and galling by the moth Epiblema strenuana Walker in 1996-97 coincided with an above average summer rainfall, but in the following three years with below average summer rainfall the defoliation and galling levels were significantly lower. Biocontrol had significant negative impact on the weed only in 1996-97 with no major impact in the following three years. At Plain Creek, galling by E. strenuana was evident in all the four years, but varied significantly between years due to non-synchrony between P. hysterophorus germination and E. strenuana emergence. At Plain Creek biocontrol had limited impact on the weed in 1996-97 and 1997-98, with no significant impact in the following two years. Over the 4-year period, defoliation and galling resulted in 70% reduction in the soil seed bank at Mount Panorama, but the reduction in the soil seed bank at Plain Creek due to galling was not significant. Effectiveness of Z. bicolorata and E. strenuana was dependent on weather conditions and as a result had only limited impact on the weed in three out of four years.     

Distributions of invasive weed Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) in the University campus Peshawar KPK

A very interesting survey was performed to measure the distribution of invasive Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) weed in the University Campus, Peshawar, the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The University Campus comprised on; The University of Peshawar, Islamia College University, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan Forest Institute and the New Developmental Research Farm. In these selected areas Parthenium weed distribution was measured in particular the academic, residential and research farm. Moreover, the survey also investigated the impact of parthenium weed upon native weeds flora inside the University campus. A 1m² quadrat was used to collect the data. During the survey, a total of 32 weeds species were recorded belonging to 18 different families and 32 genera, the life cycle of 23 weeds were annual while 9 weeds have a perennial. The data were recorded on absolute density (%), relative density (%), absolute frequency (%), relative frequency (%) and importance values (%) of parthenium weed and others flora. The collected data show that parthenium weed was the most dominant species having 76.8 m^?2 plants density in the NDF and (32.0 m^?2) at Islamia College University. However, the highest frequency (100%) of Parthenium was observed for The University of Agriculture, while minimum (80%) occurred in the Agronomy field. A More, the relative frequency of Parthenium was maximum (25%) in Islamia College; whereas, it's minimum (12.9%) at Agronomy field. Finally, the Importance Value of Parthenium indicates the highest (45.98%) at Dairy Farm followed by (40.33%) at the Horticulture field's area. In short, the Parthenium weed becomes more problematic and replaces all the native flora in the non-crop area specially Dicanthium annulatum L. a native grass species on the ridges of the field being replaced by parthenium. Due to no proper management and high growth rate, nowadays it becomes like a superweed in the KPK and especially in Pakistan. So, the management of Parthenium weed requires the call attention from the Govt. policymaker and proper quarantine inspection to conserve the native flora and field crops to get maximum crop yield.     

不同光周期条件下棉花粉蚧的生长发育和种群增长能力

【目的】 研究阐明不同光周期条件下棉花粉蚧Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley实验种群的发育历期、繁殖和数量动态规律,为制定该虫防治对策、研究治理措施等提供科学依据。【方法】 以扶桑为寄主,在温度27±1℃、相对湿度70%±5%、光照强度4 000 lx及不同光周期（8L∶16D, 10L∶14D, 12L∶12D, 14L∶10D和16L∶8D）条件下,观察了棉花粉蚧实验种群的生长发育特性和繁殖能力,组建了实验种群生命表。【结果】 不同光周期处理下棉花粉蚧1龄若虫和3龄若虫的发育历期及雌成虫产仔量均发生了变化,但不同龄期若虫存活率之间差异不大。随着光照时间增加,棉花粉蚧1龄若虫、3龄若虫发育速率加快,8 h光照时发育历期分别为5.43 d和6.35 d,而16 h光照时发育历期分别缩短至4.16 d和4.75 d;整个若虫发育历期也由8 h光照时的15.54 d缩短至16 h光照时的12.74 d,世代历期由27.75 d缩短至23.45 d。长光照时雌虫更早进入产仔期,也有利于雌虫繁殖后代,16 h光照时进入产仔期是18日龄,8 和10 h光照时均推迟至22日龄;16 h光照时单雌产仔量为417.06头,明显高于12 ,10 和8 h光照时的353.59,347.61和336.00头。长光照条件下实验种群趋势指数(I)明显较大,增长潜能更大,16,10 和8 h光照时种群趋势指数分别为 175.37,133.94和141.99。该虫生命表参数表明,随着光照时间加长净增值率（R₀）呈逐渐增大趋势,8, 10,12,14和16 h光照时分别为88.57,86.85,100.77,124.16和126.86;内禀增长率、周限增长率表现类似的规律,8～16 h光照时内禀增长率（r_m）为0.1616～0.2066,周限增长率（λ）为1.1754～1.2294;而种群倍增时间（t）则随着光照时加长而缩短,8～16 h光照时为4.29～3.36 d。【结论】 长光照有利于棉花粉蚧生长发育和繁殖,世代历期缩短,种群增长潜能变强。     

Host range evaluation of the leaf-feeding beetle,Zygogramma bicolorata and the stem-boring weevil,Listronotus setosipennis demonstrates their suitability for biological control of the invasive weed,Parthenium hysterophorus in Ethiopia

The invasive weed, parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) (Asteraceae: tribe Heliantheae), damages agriculture, adversely impacts biodiversity and is hazardous to human and animal health in Ethiopia. The host range of two natural enemies, a leaf-feeding beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and a stem-boring weevil, Listronotus setosipennis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was evaluated for biological control of the weed in Ethiopia. The specificity of Z. bicolorata and L. setosipennis was assessed against 29 and 31 non-target plant species, respectively. The host range of Z. bicolorata and L. setosipennis was first assessed using no-choice tests to examine their oviposition and feeding response on non-target plants. Although oviposition by Z. bicolorata occurred on six non-target species in four Asteraceae species in no-choice tests, it was significantly lower than on parthenium and no larvae developed. Zygogramma bicolorata nibbled the leaves of one of the five niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica L. – an oil seed crop closely related to parthenium) cultivars tested, but feeding and oviposition were significantly less than on parthenium. Furthermore, choice tests indicated that Z. bicolorata did not oviposit nor feed on G. abyssinica when parthenium was present. In no-choice tests, L. setosipennis did not oviposit on any of the non-target species assessed. Mean oviposition on parthenium was 39.0?±?3.4 eggs per plant whereas no eggs were laid on any of the 31 species tested. Based on these and other host range tests, permission was obtained to field release Z. bicolorata and L. setosipennis in Ethiopia.     

Interference effects of Cassia uniflora Mill on Parthenium hysterophorus L.

In some parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra states (India), a leguminous undershrub, Cassia uniflora has effectively replaced the problematic weed Parthenium hysterophorus (parthenium). The studies revealed that the phenolic leachates from different parts of C. uniflora, specially from germinating seeds significantly inhibited the germination of parthenium seeds and retarded the growth of seedlings from the successfully germinated parthenium seeds. At field level, seedlings of C. uniflora outcompeted the seedlings of summer generation of parthenium causing reduction in height, dry weight and number of inflorescences of the latter which ultimately resulted in reduction of their seed output. Because of its longer life span, C. uniflora effectively prevented the establishment of parthenium plants of the winter generation in its area of growth. Results indicate that C. uniflora replaces parthenium through interference.     

Rearing the Mexican beetle Zygogramma bicolorata (Chrysomelidae: Coleoptera) on a semi-synthetic diet

A semi-synthetic diet utilising parthenium leaf powder was evaluated for rearing the Mexican beetle Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister under in vitro conditions at 26±1°C, 65% RH. Significant differences were observed in the biological parameters of the beetle viz., the grub survival (54.3%), pupation (47.2%), fecundity (54.6/day) and total developmental period (37.7 days), when reared on the semi-synthetic diet compared to those when reared on natural parthenium leaves (91.5, 85.5, 74.8 and 29.8, respectively). The feasibility of utilising the semi-synthetic diet for mass production of the beetle is discussed.     

Complementing biological control with plant suppression: Implications for improved management of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.)

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a weed of global significance that has become a major weed in Australia and many other parts of the world. A combined approach for the management of parthenium weed using biological control and plant suppression, was tested under field conditions over a two-year period in southern central Queensland. The six suppressive plant species, selected for their demonstrably suppressive ability in earlier glasshouse studies, worked synergistically with the biological control agents (Epiblema strenuana Walker, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister, Listronotus setosipennis Hustache and Puccinia abrupta var. partheniicola) present in the field to reduce the growth (above ground biomass) of parthenium weed, by between 60–86% and 47–91%, in Years 1 and 2, respectively. The biomass of the suppressive plants was between 6% and 23% greater when biological control agents were present than when the biological control agents had been excluded. This shows that parthenium weed can be more effectively managed by combining the current biological control management strategy with selected sown suppressive plant species, both in Australia and elsewhere.     

Biology and Host Specificity of the Stem Galling Weevil Conotrachelus albocinereus Fiedler (Col.: Curculionidae), a Biocontrol Agent for Parthenium Weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae) in Queensland, Australia

The stem-galling weevil Conotrachelus albocinereus Fiedler has been investigated as a potential biological control agent against parthenium weed ( Parthenium hysterophorus L.) in Australia. Adults were tested in multiple-choice feeding and oviposition tests on 56 plant species in 51 genera. No feeding or oviposition was recorded on any non-target plant except annual ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), a closely related weed. Field releases of the weevil in Queensland, Australia, commenced in 1995 and establishment has been recorded at several sites.     

Screening of phytotoxicity of Alternaria macrospora MKP1 against Parthenium hysterophorus L.

Parthenium hysterophorus L. an exotic, pernicious weed is considered as one of the most troublesome weeds for agricultural sector by virtue of its high ecological amplitude and adaptability. Microbes and their by-products are now proved to be a worthy alternative to toxic chemicals used for weed management. Alternaria macrospora MKPI was isolated from the parthenium leaves infected with leaf blight and found pathogenic to the weed. The herbicidal potential of cell free culture filtrate of A. macrospora MKP1 has been tested against parthenium by employing detached leaf bioassay and seed germination bioassay and a significant damage was exhibited by the cultural filtrate of pathogen to the parthenium leaves and seeds.