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Observations on the biology and host specificity ofEpiblema strenuana [Lepidoptera, Tortricidae], a potential biocontrol agent forParthenium hysterophorus [Compositae]

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Abstract

The tortricid mothEpiblema strenuana (Walker), which attacksAmbrosia spp. over most of North America, is shown to have the annual weedParthenium hysterophorus L. [Compositae] as its main host in northern Mexico. The larvae produce galls in the stems and growing-points which can considerably stunt growth when young plants are attacked. In tests it was shown to have a restricted host-range and not to damage any composite of economic importance. Its release in Australia for trial as a biological control agent againstP. hysterophorus has been approved.

Resumen

Se encontró que el tortricidoEpiblema strenuana, que atacaAmbrosia spp. en la mayor parte de Norteamérica, utiliza aParthenium hysterophorus como hospedera principal en el norte de México. Las larvas producen agallas en el tallo y en las yemas, y pueden ocasionar una considerable inhibición en el crecimiento al atacar plantas jóvenes. En pruebas se encontró que el insecto tiene un rango restringido en hospederas y que no es capaz de dañar ninguna planta de importancia económica dentro de la familia de las compuestas. Se ha autorizado su liberación en Australia para probar su eficacia como agente de control biológico contraP. hysterophorus.

Résumé

La tordeuseEpiblema strenuana, qui attaque les espèces du genreAmbrosia dans la majeure partie de l'Amérique du nord, utiliseParthenium hysterophorus [Compositae] comme principal hôte dans la région nord du Mexique. Les larves produisent des galles dans les tiges et les bourgeons, qui peuvent arrêter la croissance quand les jeunes plantes sont attaquées. Les essais ont montré la gamme limitée d'hôtes, dont sont exclues toutes composées d'importance économique, que possède la tordeuse. Son introduction en Australie comme agent de lutte biologique contreP. hysterophorus a été approuvée.

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  1. A. S. McClay

    Present address: Alberta Environmental Centre, Bag 4000, T0B 4L0, Alberta, Vegreville, Canada

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  1. Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control, Monterrey, Mexico

    A. S. McClay

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McClay, A.S. Observations on the biology and host specificity ofEpiblema strenuana [Lepidoptera, Tortricidae], a potential biocontrol agent forParthenium hysterophorus [Compositae] . Entomophaga 32, 23–34 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02390928

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02390928

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