Influence of sun and shade conditions on Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) abundance and feeding activity on tropical soda apple (Solanaceae) under field conditions

Authors

  • Eutychus M. Kariuki Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Center for Biological Control, Tallahassee, Florida 32307, USA
  • Raymond L. Hix Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Center for Biological Control, Tallahassee, Florida 32307, USA
  • Stephen D. Hight USDA, ARS, CMAVE, Tallahassee, Florida 32308, USA
  • Stuart R. Reitz Oregon State University, Department of Crop and Soil Science, Ontario, Oregon 97914, USA
  • Moses T. K. Kairo University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, Princess Anne, Maryland 21853, USA

Keywords:

invasive species, biological control, insect herbivory, Solanum viarum

Abstract

Tropical soda apple is a perennial invasive weed species that has become a serious problem in both agricultural and natural areas of the southeastern United States. A field survey was conducted at a ranch in Madison County, Florida, to assess the effect of sun and shade conditions on the abundance and feeding activity of Gratiana boliviana Spaeth (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on tropical soda apple. The results revealed that beetle abundance and their feeding damage were greater on plants growing in full sun exposure than on plants growing in shaded habitat.

 

Sumario

La manzana de soda tropical es una especie de maleza invasora perenne que se ha convertido en un problema grave en las zonas agrícolas y naturales del sureste de los Estados Unidos. Se realizó un estudio de campo en un rancho en el condado de Madison, Florida, para evaluar el efecto de las condiciones de sol y sombra sobre la abundancia y actividad de alimentación de Gratiana boliviana Spaeth (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) en la manzana de soda tropical. Los resultados revelaron que la abundancia y su daño de alimentación por los escarabajos fueron mayores en las plantas que crecen expuestas a pleno sol que en las plantas que crecen en un hábitat sombreado.

 

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Author Biography

Eutychus M. Kariuki, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Center for Biological Control, Tallahassee, Florida 32307, USA

Graduate student

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Published

2016-06-07

Issue

Vol. 99, No. 3 (September 2016)

Section

Scientific Notes

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