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Biology and host range of Mada polluta , a potential biological control agent of Tecoma stans in South Africa

2013; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 23; Issue: 8 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/09583157.2013.809404

1360-0478

L.G. Madire,

Chemical synthesis and alkaloids

Abstract The host range of Mada polluta Mulsant (Coleoptera:Coccinnellidae) was studied to assess its suitability as a biological control agent of Tecoma stans (L.) Juss ex Kunth var stans (Bignoniaceae), an invasive weed in South Africa. Biology of M. polluta and its host range were determined in the laboratory using no-choice and multi-choice feeding, oviposition and larval survival tests. Out of 36 plant species from 12 plant families (Bignoniaceae, Acanthaceae, Asteraceae, Verbenaceae, Lamiaceae, Oleaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Solanaceae, Apiaceae, Chenopodiaceae and Poaceae) within the order Lamiales that were tested during the host specificity testing, M. polluta showed a very strong preference for T. stans, depositing its eggs on T. stans and none on non-target plant species. In no-choice tests, an average of 246 eggs was laid on T. stans, and from these, 133 larvae developed to adulthood. The beetle also showed very promising biological attributes that will contribute to its success as a biological control agent of T. stans. These attributes include highly damaging larvae and adults, high fecundity (532 eggs/female) and a short life cycle (four weeks). The short life cycle will enable multiple generations per year and rapid population increase in the field. It is concluded that M. polluta is sufficiently host-specific to be released against T. stans in South Africa. It is, therefore, strongly recommended that permission be granted to release this beetle from quarantine for biological control of T. stans in South Africa. Keywords: Mada polluta lady beetlebiologyhost specificity Tecoma stans Acknowledgements The ARC-PPRI and the Working for Water Programme (Department of Environmental Affairs) are acknowledged for funding this project. I thank T. Chauke, K. Mdhlovu, E. Mawela, M. Khadile and M. Netshiluvhi for providing technical assistance during the study. Dr S. Neser is acknowledged for collecting M. polluta in Mexico, Ms Vivian Uys of National Insect Collection (ARC-PPRI) for facilitating the identification of this insect and Mr R.D. Gordon (an authority on coccinellids based at Northern Plains, Willow city, North Dakota in the USA), for identifying the insect. Lastly, I would like to sincerely acknowledge Dr D. Simelane (ARC-PPRI) for the valuable input in this project and for his initial and final review of this manuscript.