Non-selective feeding and oviposition behaviour of Cryptocephalus trifasciata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cryptocephalinae) precludes its use as a biological control agent for downy rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtustomentosa)*. Issue 3 (4th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Melissa C.; Wheeler, Gregory S.; Barr, Kane L.; Brown, Bradley T.; Makinson, Jeffrey R.
• Is Part Of: Biocontrol science and technology. Volume 27:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 445
• Page End: 448
• Publication Date: 2017-03-04
• Subjects: Biological control of weeds -- downy rose myrtle -- host-specificity testing -- Myrtaceae -- case-bearing beetle; Pests -- Biological control -- Periodicals; Weeds -- Biological control -- Periodicals; Pesticides -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Plants, Protection of -- Periodicals; Plants -- Biological control -- Periodicals; Agricultural pests -- Control -- Periodicals; Pest Control, Biological -- Periodicals; 632.96
• DOI: 10.1080/09583157.2017.1291905
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-3157

Abstract

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.