Biology of Subanguina picridis, a Potential Biological Control Agent of Russian Knapweed

Authors

  • A. K. Watson

Abstract

The knapweed nematode, Subanguina picridis, forms galls on the leaves, stems, and root collar of Russian knapweed, Acroptilon repens. After being revived from a dormant, cryptobiotic state, second-stage juveniles required at least 1 month in a free-living state before becoming infective. Galls were induced on relatively slow-growing host plants that retained their apical meristems at or near the soil surface for 2-5 weeks. Galls developed extensive areas of nutritive tissue. The nematode was introduced from the Soviet Union and released in Canada for the biological control of Russian knapweed. Key words: Acroptilon repens (Russian knapweed), biological weed control, gall, histopathogenesis, host specificity, physiological sink, Subanguina picridis (knapweed nematode).

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Published

1986-04-15

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Section

Articles