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Host specificity ofAcanthoscelides quadridentatus andA. Puniceus [Col.: Bruchidae] for biological control ofMimosa pigra (with preliminary data on their biology)

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Abstract

The biology and host specificity of the seed-feeding bruchids,Acanthoscelides quadridentatus (Schaeffer) andA. puniceus Johnson, from Mexico were studied in quarantine facilities in Australia. Distinguishing characters in the genitalia of each species are illustrated. Oviposition was recorded on 16 of 73 species of plants tested but larvae died without entering pods or seeds, except onMimosa invisa K. F. P. von Martius andM. pigra L. Larvae entering seeds ofM. invisa died in the first instar. The bruchids were clearly specific toM. pigra and were subsequently released as part of a program for biological control of this weed in the Northern Territory, Australia in April 1983 and thailand in July 1984.

Résumé

La biologie et la spécificité vis-à-vis de l'hôte des Bruches se nourrissant de graines,Acanthoscelides quadridentatus (Schaeffer) etA. puniceus Johnson, en provenance du Mexique ont été étudiées dans l'unité de quarantaine en Australie. Les caractères distinctifs des génitalia de chacune des espèces sont illustrés. La ponte était observée sur 16 des 73 espèces de plantes testées, mais les larves mouraient sans pénétrer dans les gousses ou les graines, excepté surMimosa invisa K. F. P. Von Martins etM. pigra L. les larves ayant pénétré dans les graines deM. invisa mouraient au 1er stade. Les bruchides étaient spécifiques deM. pigra et furent en conséquence lâchés comme partie d'un programme de lutte biologique contre cette mauvaise herbe dans la partie nord de l'Australie en Avril 1983 et en Thaïlande en juillet 1984.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Entomology, Long Pocket Laboratories, CSIRO, Private Bag No 3, 4068, Indooroopilly, Qld, Australia

    R. C. Kassulke & K. L. S. Harley

  2. Department of Entomology, University of Queensland, 4067, St Lucia, Qld, Australia

    G. V. Maynard

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  1. R. C. Kassulke
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  2. K. L. S. Harley
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  3. G. V. Maynard
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Kassulke, R.C., Harley, K.L.S. & Maynard, G.V. Host specificity ofAcanthoscelides quadridentatus andA. Puniceus [Col.: Bruchidae] for biological control ofMimosa pigra (with preliminary data on their biology). Entomophaga 35, 85–97 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02374305

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02374305

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