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Biology of the leaf roller Salbia lotanalis and its impact on the invasive tree Miconia calvescens

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Abstract

Miconia calvescens (Melastomataceae) is an invasive alien tree in native forests on some Pacific islands and a potentially invasive species in Australia. Searches for potential classical biocontrol agents have been undertaken for over a decade in the centre of origin (Central and South America). Salbia lotanalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a leaf roller which has been recognized as a promising classical biocontrol agent for M. calvescens. This paper presents the biology and an impact study of S. lotanalis on M. calvescens. Life table parameters showed that S. lotanalis has a high reproductive capacity, with up to six generations a year. Miconia calvescens seedlings attacked by S. lotanalis caterpillars had their growth rate significantly reduced. Seedlings subjected initially to a high level of defoliation (80%) caused by caterpillars had leaf fall and a lower leaf area than controls after 210 days. Considering the high population growth rate and significant impact on young plants, S. lotanalis appears to have a high potential for use as a classical biological control agent to be used against M. calvescens.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by USGS BRD Pacific Island Ecosystem Research Centre, National Park Service, the Research Corporation of Hawaii and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). We thank Dr. C. Smith (RCUH, University of Hawaii, USA) for reviewing this manuscript and continuous support and encouragement. We also thank Dr. Vitor Becker for identification of insect species. This research is part of a project “Foreign Exploration for Biocontrol Agents against Miconia”, in a partnership between The Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, USGS BRD Pacific Island Ecosystem Research Centre, National Park Service and Fundação Arthur Bernardes (FUNARBE), Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, CEP 36570-000, Brazil

    Elisangela G. F. Morais, Marcelo C. Picanço, Gerson A. Silva & Renan B. Queiroz

  2. Department of Fitopathology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, CEP 36570-000, Brazil

    Robert W. Barreto

  3. Department of Entomology, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, CEP 37200-000, Brazil

    Shaiene C. Moreno

Authors
  1. Elisangela G. F. Morais
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  2. Marcelo C. Picanço
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  3. Robert W. Barreto
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  4. Gerson A. Silva
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  5. Shaiene C. Moreno
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  6. Renan B. Queiroz
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Correspondence to Elisangela G. F. Morais.

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Handling Editor: John Scott.

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Morais, E.G.F., Picanço, M.C., Barreto, R.W. et al. Biology of the leaf roller Salbia lotanalis and its impact on the invasive tree Miconia calvescens . BioControl 55, 685–694 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-010-9286-x

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