Biological control of water lettuce,Pistia stratiotes [Araceae] byNeohydronomus affinis [Coleoptera: Curculionidae]
Abstract
Neohydronomus affinis was imported into Australia as a potential biological control agent for the floating aquatic weedPistia stratiotes. Quarantine studies demonstrated that this weevil was host specific toP. stratiotes and it was released into the field in 1982. Subsequently it was released as a control agent for this weed in several other countries. In AustraliaN. affinis reduced infestations ofP. stratiotes by 40% or more within 12–18 months. The results are discussed in relation to its effectiveness in other parts of the world. We concluded thatN. affinis effectively controlsP. stratiotes in tropical regions (to lat. 22°), but in cooler regions its effectiveness fluctuates with seasonal conditions.
- Publication:
-
BioControl
- Pub Date:
- September 1990
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 1990BioCo..35..363H
- Keywords:
-
- biological control;
- Pistia stratiotes;
- Neohydronomus affinis;
- water lettuce;
- host specificity;
- lutte biologique;
- Pistia stratiotes;
- Neohydronomus affinis;
- laitue d'eau;
- spécificité vis-à -vis de l'hôte