Biological control of alligator weed: Unsuccessful attempts to control terrestrial growth using the flea beetleDisonycha argentinensis [Col.: Chrysomelidae] |
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Authors: | M H Julien R R Chan |
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Institution: | (1) Long Pocket Laboratories, CSIRO Division of Entomology, Private Bag No. 3, 4068 Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia |
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Abstract: | Biological control of alligator weed growing in aquatic habitats in Australia is successful but the agents, a flea beetleAgasicles hygrophila and a mothVogtia malloi, do not control terrestrial growth. Consequently another flea beetleDisonycha argentinensis was introduced into Australia specifically to control the terrestrial growth. Progeny of adults collected in Brazil from
areas similar in climate and habitat to areas infested with alligator weed in Australia, were released but failed to become
established. Eggs were laid by females released into a large field cage and some completed development, but the new adults
failed to reproduce.
Tentative conclusions are that microclimate or predation may have prevented establishment ofD. argentinensis but the results should not preclude attempts to establish this insect in North America, China or elsewhere.
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Keywords: | Disonycha argentinensis alligator weed terrestrial growth biological control |
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