The phytophagous organisms associated with Lantana L. species in Jamaica and their potential use as biological control candidates of weedy varieties of Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) in South Africa

The West Indies lies within the natural range of Lantana species (Verbenaceae) but few searches have been completed in this area looking for potential classical biological control agents. A survey for potential candidates for the biocontrol of the weedy varieties of L. camara was conducted mainly on L. urticifolia in Jamaica. A total of 46 sites were sampled across the island where Lantana plants were common with at least 10 plants occurring in close proximity. Collections were focussed on phytophagous organisms collected using a beating tray and those with endophagous stages reared from inflorescence, seed and leaf samples. Twenty one species of phytophagous insects and mites were collected on L. urticifolia during the survey. Eight were considered to induce significant damage and warrant consideration. Of the species encountered during the survey seven species have been released as biocontrol agents in the past, four have recently been released on the weedy forms of Lantana and one has been rejected for release in Africa. The phytophage assemblage on L. urticifolia in Jamaica is considered relatively small in comparison to the species lists available for adjacent continents, and Jamaica is thus not the most suitable area for surveys for additional biocontrol candidates of Lantana.