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Assessment of the suitablity of Plagihammus spinipennis (Thoms.) (Col., Cerambycidae) as an agent for control of weeds of the genus Lantana (Verbenaceae). I. Life-history and capacity to damage L. camara in Hawaii

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

K. L. S. Harley
K. L. S. Harley
Affiliation:
Division of Entomology, C.S.I.R.O., Long Pocket Laboratories, Indooroopilly, Brisbane
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Extract

Plagiohammus spinipennis (Thorns.), a native of areas of Central and South America where rainfall exceeds 50 in. per annum, has been imported into Hawaii and Australia for the control of Lantana camara. The larvae girdle a stem of the host-plant and then tunnel extensively in the xylem tissues. In Hawaii multiple infestation of stems over 0-5 in. in thickness was found to be usual. Most attacks were within 25 in. of the ground and stems were killed or so severely weakened that they readily broke off, reducing tall plants to mutilated stumps eventually bearing small regrowth shoots. The life-cycle normally lasts one year.

An annual rainfall of at least 50 in. appears to be necessary for the development of large populations, and the amount that falls before and during the oviposition period influences larval survival. It is concluded that the insect should be very useful as a biological control agent for L. camara.

Type
Research Paper
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 58 , Issue 3 , February 1969 , pp. 567 - 574
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1969

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References

Davis, C. J. & Krauss, N. L. H. (1962). Recent introductions for biological control in Hawaii—VII.—Proc. Hawaii. ent. Soc. 18 pp. 125–129.Google Scholar
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