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Host specificity testing ofRhodometra sacraria [Lep.: Geometridae], a possible biological control candidate forEmex australis in Australia

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Abstract

The foliage feeding geometridRhodometra sacraria L. was collected onEmex australis Steinheil in South Africa, cultured, then tested as a possible biological control agent forE. australis, in Australia. Tests on its host specificity were carried out in South Africa and Australia.R. sacraria was specific to plants of the familyPolygonaceae rather than toE. australis. Request for the reintroduction and release ofR. sacraria into Australia has not been made.

Résumé

Le géométride phytophageRhodometra sacraria a été récolté surEmex australis en Afrique du Sud, mis en élevage et testé comme agent possible de lutte biologique contreE. australis en Australie. Des tests sur sa spécificité ont été conduits en Afrique du Sud et en Australie.R. sacraria était plus spécifique des plantes de la famille des Polygonacées que deE. australis. La demande pour la réintroduction et le lâcher deR. sacraria en Australie n'a pas été faite.

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Shepherd, R.C.H. Host specificity testing ofRhodometra sacraria [Lep.: Geometridae], a possible biological control candidate forEmex australis in Australia. Entomophaga 34, 469–476 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02374384

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02374384

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