Host range of the defoliator Strepsicrates sp. is too broad for biological control of the invasive weed Rhodomyrtus tomentosa |
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| Authors: | G. S. Wheeler E. D. Mattison M. A. Metz P. D. Pratt M. F. Purcell |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Invasive Plant Research Lab, USDA-ARS, Ft Lauderdale, FL, USA;2. Systematic Entomology Lab, Smithsonian Institution, USDA-ARS, Washington, DC, USA;3. USDA-ARS Exotic and Invasive Plant Research Lab, Albany, CA, USA;4. Australian Biological Control Lab, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, USDA-ARS, Brisbane, QLD, Australia |
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| Abstract: | In its native range the invasive weed, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa is host to a suite of herbivores. One, Strepsicrates sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), was collected in China in 2014, introduced under quarantine in Florida, USA, and tested against related species to determine its host range and suitability for biological control. In no-choice tests, neonates fed and completed development to the pupal stage on several species of Myrtaceae, including the target weed R. tomentosa, the exotics Melaleuca quinquenervia, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and three native species, Eugenia axillaris, Mosiera longipes and Morella cerifera (Myricaceae). Due to the broad host range exhibited in quarantine testing, this species will not be pursued as a biological control agent of R. tomentosa. |
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| Keywords: | Biological control of weeds rose myrtle host range determination Myrtaceae Tortricidae |
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