Utilization of an introduced weed biological control agent, Megamelus scutellaris (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), by a native parasitoid

Authors

  • C. R. Minteer United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, 3225 College Ave., Davie, Florida 33314, USA
  • P. W. Tipping United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, 3225 College Ave., Davie, Florida 33314, USA
  • B. K. Knowles United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, 3225 College Ave., Davie, Florida 33314, USA
  • R. J. Valmonte United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, 3225 College Ave., Davie, Florida 33314, USA
  • J. R. Foley United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, 3225 College Ave., Davie, Florida 33314, USA
  • L. A. Gettys University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, 3205 College Ave, Davie, Florida 33314, USA

Keywords:

waterhyacinth, Kalopolynema ema, rearing tank, sentinel plant

Abstract

A native parasitoid, Kalopolynema ema (Schauff and Grissell) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), has begun utilizing a new host, Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), the introduced biological control agent for waterhyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Commelinales: Pontederiaceae). Parasitism rates varied between outdoor M. scutellaris rearing tanks and sentinel plants placed in the field, with parasitism rates in the tanks being higher.

 

Sumario

Un parasitoide nativo, Kalopolynema ema (Schauff y Grissell) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), ha comenzado a utilizar un nuevo hospedero, Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), el agente de control biológico introducido por el jacinto de agua, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms ( Commelinales: Pontederiaceae). La tasa de parasitismo varió entre los M. scutellaris en tanques de cría externos y las plantas centinelas puestas en el campo, con la tasa de parasitismo en los tanques siendo la más alta.

 

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Published

2016-06-07

Issue

Section

Scientific Notes