Non-selective feeding and oviposition behaviour of Cryptocephalus trifasciata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cryptocephalinae) precludes its use as a biological control agent for downy rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa)* |
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| Authors: | Melissa C. Smith Gregory S. Wheeler Kane L. Barr Bradley T. Brown Jeffrey R. Makinson |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Fort Lauderdale, USA;2. Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, USA;3. Australian Biology Control Laboratory, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Brisbane, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Downy rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa), a southeast Asian native shrub, invades natural areas in Florida and Hawaii, where it forms dense, impenetrable thickets. We tested the host affinity and survivorship of a case-bearing beetle, Cryptocephalus trifasciata on R. tomentosa and related species. C. trifasciata adults and larvae fed, oviposited and/or completed development on all non-target species tested (N?=?11). C. trifasciata has a broad host range and is unsuitable for use as a biological control agent. |
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| Keywords: | Biological control of weeds downy rose myrtle host-specificity testing Myrtaceae case-bearing beetle |
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