Release of Potentially Cold Tolerant Alligatorweed Flea Beetles (Agasicles hygrophila Selman and Vogt) into the United States from Argentina.
Abstract
Alligatorweed flea beetles (Agasicles hydrophila) were collected from the Southernmost, or coldest, part of their range in Argentina and were shipped to the United States. They were reared in quarantine, and specimens from the F1 generation were examined for entomopathogens, none of which were found. Releases of adults and eggs were made at Gainesville, Fla., and at several locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama. It was hoped that these beetles would be more cold tolerant than those used in prior releases. Follow-up investigations at the release sites 1 year after release showed overwintering success on only 1 of 10 sites. However, factors other than cold appeared to have eliminated three of the colonies released, so it would be premature to make a determination of whether or not this test population of Agasicles is more cold tolerant than the populations previously released. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA114902
Entities
People
- Drion Boucias
- Gary R. Buckingham