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The biology and host specificity of the stem-boring weevilListronotus setosipennis [Col.: Curculionidae] A potential biocontrol agent forParthenium hysterophorus [Asteraceae]

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Abstract

The stem-boring weevilListronotus setosipennis (Hustache) is widespread and damaging to its hostParthenium hysterophorus L. in northern Argentina and southern Brazil. In detailed host-testing it was shown to have a restricted host-range and, despite some feeding and development on sunflower in tests, to be a safe biological control agent againstP. hysterophorus. Field releases in Queensland, Australia took place from 1982 to 1986 and the weevil has established over several thousand hectares at numerous sites. Spread is however slow and the effect on the plant still negligible.

Résumé

Le charançon foreur de tigeListronotus setosipennis (Hustache) [Col: Curculionidae] est répandu et nuisible à son hôteParthenium hysterophorus L. [Asteraceae] au nord de l'Argentine et au sud du Brésil. Des expériences détaillées sur les hôtes ont montré que sa gamme d'hôtes était restreinte et, malgré qu'il se soit nourri et développé sur le tournesol durant des essais, il s'est avéré être un agent sans risque pour le contrôle biologique contreP. hysterophorus. Le charançon fut lâché dans la nature au Queensland, en Australie, de 1982 à 1986 et s'est établi sur plusieurs milliers d'hectares à différents endroits. Malgré cela, il se répand lentement et l'effet sur la plante est encore négligeable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Alan Fletcher Research Station, Sherwood, P.O. Box 36, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    C. H. Wild, R. E. McFadyen, A. J. Tomley & B. W. Willson

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  1. C. H. Wild
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  2. R. E. McFadyen
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  3. A. J. Tomley
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  4. B. W. Willson
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Wild, C.H., McFadyen, R.E., Tomley, A.J. et al. The biology and host specificity of the stem-boring weevilListronotus setosipennis [Col.: Curculionidae] A potential biocontrol agent forParthenium hysterophorus [Asteraceae]. Entomophaga 37, 591–598 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02372329

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02372329

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