Current status of Agrilus hyperici (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) released in Australia in 1940 for the control of St John's wort: Lessons for insect introductions
Titel:
Current status of Agrilus hyperici (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) released in Australia in 1940 for the control of St John's wort: Lessons for insect introductions
Auteur:
Briese, D. T.
Verschenen in:
Biocontrol science and technology
Paginering:
Jaargang 1 (1991) nr. 3 pagina's 207-215
Jaar:
1991
Inhoud:
The root-borer Agrilus hyperici was established successfully in Australia in 1940 for the biological control of the weed Hypericum perforatum. It failed to spread widely, however, and surveys in 1980 found that it survived in only one area; near Mudgee in New South Wales. Two isolated populations were found here, both restricted to sheltered creek systems. The distribution of the larger population, at Piambong, was confined to an area of about 10 km2. In 1981-82, 76.8% of plants in the core of this area showed damage by larvae to their roots. Although the level of attack was lower than that known from southern Europe, survivorship patterns from larva to adult were similar, confirming A. hyperici to be a 'K-selected' insect. The population declined significantly following a severe drought in 1982. Consideration of the early history of their introductions coupled with knowledge of their biologies suggest that strong competition by Chrysolina spp., strongly 'r-selected' insects introduced at the same time, may have restricted the development of A. hyperici. The danger of co-releasing insects with different life-history strategies is discussed.
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