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Evaluation ofHadena perplexa [Lepidoptera: Phalaenidae] as a biocontrol agent of bladder campionSilene vulgaris [Caryophyllaceae] in Canada: Rearing and host specificity

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Abstract

Rearing techniques and results of preliminary host range tests are reported forHadena perplexa (Denis & Schiffermuller) (Lep.: Phalaenidae) a candidate biocontrol agent against the weed bladder campion,Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke, in Manitoba, Canada. In the laboratory, it was necessary to pipette a 15% honey solution in water into the flowers as food for the adult moths. When reared singly to avoid cannibalism, 56% of the 1st instar larvae developed to pupae. Larvae fed on a natural diet for 10 days can then be reared on either one of 2 artificial diets. Choice oviposition tests and no-choice larval feeding tests were conducted with plant species closely related toS. vulgaris in the generaSilene, Dianthus, Gypsophila, Lychnis, Saponaria. Species in 4 of 5 of these genera were accepted for oviposition, and species in all 5 genera supported the development of 1st instar larvae to the pupal stage.H. perplexa should not be introduced into Canada.

Résumé

Des techniques d'élevage et les résultats des tests préliminaires de la gamme d'hôte sont présentés pourHadena perplexa (Denis & Schiffermuller) candidat possible pour la lutte biologique contre la silène enfléeSilene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke, mauvaise herbe du Manitoba. En laboratoire, une solution de 15% miel-eau fut placée dans les fleurs comme aliment pour les phalènes adultes. Lorsque elles sont élevées individuellement pour éviter le cannibalisme, 56% des larves du 1er stade se sont développées en pupes. Des larves nourries d'une alimentation naturelle pendant 10 jours peuvent être élevées par la suite sur deux nourritures artificielles. Des essais de préférence d'oviposition avec choix et d'alimentation sans choix avec de multiples plantes voisines deS. vulgaris appartenant aux genresSilene, Dianthus, Gypsophila, Lychnis, Saponaria, ont montré que des espèces de 4 des 5 genres furent acceptées pour l'oviposition. Aussi, des larves du 1er stade se développèrent jusqu'à la pupe sur des espèces appartenant aux 5 genres.H. perplexa ne devrait pas être introduit au Canada.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Station, Agriculture Canada, P.O. Box 440, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 3A2, Canada

    D. P. Peschken & J. L. Derby

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  1. D. P. Peschken
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  2. J. L. Derby
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Peschken, D.P., Derby, J.L. Evaluation ofHadena perplexa [Lepidoptera: Phalaenidae] as a biocontrol agent of bladder campionSilene vulgaris [Caryophyllaceae] in Canada: Rearing and host specificity. Entomophaga 35, 653–657 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02375099

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02375099

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