Entomophaga

, Volume 26, Issue 3, pp 265–273 | Cite as

Observations on the heliotrope flea beetle,Longitarsus albineus [Col.:Chrysomelidae] with tests of its host specificity

  • J. T. Huber
Article

Abstract

Longitarsus albineus (Foudras) is a potential agent for the biological control ofHeliotropium europaeum L. in Australia. The adults feed on the leaves and the larvae on the rootlets of the weed. Large populations of the beetle reduce plant vigour but rarely cause death of well established plants in the Mediterranean region. There are 3 beetle generations per year in southern France. Third generation adults overwinter and, at the first appearance of the weed in spring, start to feed and reproduce. Feeding trials of adults and larvae against a range of economically important plants and severalBoraginaceae demonstrated specificity to the genusHeliotropium.

Keywords

Plant Pathology Large Population Biological Control Mediterranean Region Host Specificity 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

Résumé

Longitarsus albineusFoudras est un auxiliaire possible de lutte biologique contre l'adventiceHeliotropium europaeumLinnaeus en Australie. Les adultes se nourrissent des feuilles et les larves des radicelles d'héliotrope. Par forte infestation, le longitarse affecte la vigueur de la mauvaise herbe, dont il détermine rarement le dépérissement en région méditerranéenne. Le longitarse a 3 générations annuelles dans le midi de la France. Les adultes de la 3e génération hivernent, s'attaquant aux premières pousses d'héliotrope et se reproduisant dès le printemps. Des essais d'alimentation portant sur une série de plantes cultivées et plusieurs boraginées ont montré que larves et adultes sont spécifiques au genreHeliotropium.

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Copyright information

© Balthazar Publications 1981

Authors and Affiliations

  • J. T. Huber
    • 1
  1. 1.C.S.I.R.O. Biological Control UnitMontpellierFrance

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