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Exploratory Survey in Venezuela for Biological Control Agents of Passiflora mollissima in Hawaii

Authors :
Rex Friesen
George P Markin
Charlotte E. Causton
Source :
Biological Control. 18:110-119
Publication Year :
2000
Publisher :
Elsevier BV, 2000.

Abstract

Passiflora mollissima (H.B.K.) Bailey, a South American vine that grows at high altitudes, is the most important weed pest of the upper-elevation rainforests of Hawaii. Mechanical and chemical methods of controlling this weed are impractical and expensive. Natural enemies appear to restrain this member of the Passifloraceae in its native Andean countries, and the introduction of biological control agents to Hawaii is the only viable control method available. Previous surveys of natural enemies of P. mollissima in its native range resulted in the introduction but unsuccessful establishment of two agents, calling for a renewed search for candidate insects. Detailed studies were conducted for 4 years in Venezuela to survey and evaluate insects attacking P. mollissima. Twelve insect species may have an important effect on the growth and reproduction of this target plant. Three bud-feeding species, Zapriothrica salebrosa Wheeler (Diptera: Drosophilidae), a Mycetophila sp. (Diptera: Mycetophilidae), and Pyrausta perelegans Hampson (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), as well as a fruit feeder, Dasiops caustonae Norrbom and McAlpine (Diptera: Lonchaeidae), limited flower and fruit production and were believed to play the most important role in regulating wild stands of P. mollissima in Venezuela. The mycetophilid and D. caustonae were not collected from previous surveys and are recommended as potential biological control agents.

Details

ISSN :
10499644
Volume :
18
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Biological Control
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........76de3dd2d8d7d16c60b39645581a283d
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1006/bcon.2000.0811