Host specificity tests of Galerucella calmariensis (L.) and G. pusilla (Duft.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), potential biological control agents of purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria L. (Lythraceae)

1992 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 282-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.T. Kok ◽  
T.J. McAvoy ◽  
R.A. Maleckij ◽  
S.D. Hight ◽  
J.J. Drea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Host Specificity ◽  
Lythrum Salicaria ◽  
Purple Loosestrife ◽  
Biological Control Agents ◽  
Galerucella Calmariensis

Effect ofGalerucellaspp. on survival of purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) roots and crowns

Weed Science ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 360-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth J. Stamm Katovich ◽  
Roger L. Becker ◽  
David W. Ragsdale
Keyword(s):  
Plant Stress ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Lythrum Salicaria ◽  
Purple Loosestrife ◽  
Biological Control Agents ◽  
Plant Mortality ◽  
Galerucella Calmariensis ◽  
Galerucella Pusilla ◽  
Crown Tissue ◽  
Severe Leaf

Starch levels, used as a measure of plant stress, were not consistently reduced in root or crown tissue of purple loosestrife plants after 2 yr of severeGalerucella calmariensisorGalerucella pusilla(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) defoliation. Early in the season, defoliation fromGalerucellaspp. approached 100%, but the majority ofLythrum salicariaplants regrew by the end of August, resulting in an average reduction of 81% of the aboveground biomass compared to the control. The stress imposed byGalerucellaspp. defoliation was less than that achieved from more severe stress imposed by mechanical shoot clipping at 2- or 4-wk intervals from June to October. Both shoot-clipping treatments killed the majority of plants after one growing season.Galerucellaspp. feeding reduced plant stature, which may reduce competitiveness. However, considering the extensive carbohydrate reserves present in the large woody crowns ofLythrum salicaria, it will require in excess of 2 yr of consistent, severe leaf defoliation to cause plant mortality. A combination of stresses, such as winter crown injury, or other biological control agents in addition toGalerucellaleaf defoliation may be required for plant mortality.

Host Specificity and Environmental Impact of Two Leaf Beetles (Galerucella calmariensisandG. pusilla) for Biological Control of Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)

Weed Science ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 134-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernd Blossey ◽  
Dieter Schroeder ◽  
Stephen D. Hight ◽  
Richard A. Malecki
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Host Specificity ◽  
Lythrum Salicaria ◽  
Purple Loosestrife ◽  
Biological Weed Control ◽  
Leaf Beetles ◽  
Galerucella Calmariensis ◽  
Adult Feeding ◽  
Potential Risks

Many prime wetlands in North America have been degraded following encroachment by the exotic plant purple loosestrife. Conventional methods are unsuccessful in providing long-term control. Host specificity studies demonstrated the suitability of two leaf beetles, Galerucella calmariensis and G. pusilla, as biological weed control agents. Adults oviposited only on plants within the genus Lythrum. The only species other than purple loosestrife where adult feeding and oviposition occurred and that supported successful larval development was winged lythrum. Swamp loosestrife and winged lythrum may be vulnerable to limited attack by newly emerged teneral adults. Evaluation of the potential environmental impact of the two leaf beetles showed that benefits of an introduction outweigh potential risks to winged lythrum or swamp loosestrife. Their field release was approved in 1992.

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