Biological Control Technology Development: Control of Waterhyacinth with the Pyralid Moth Sameodes albiguttalis,
Abstract
The weevils Neochetina eichhorniae and N. bruchi were released in 1972 and 1974, respectively, for the biological control of waterhyacinth. In 1977 the pyralid species, Sameodes albiguttalis (Warren), was released for the same purpose. When it was determined that populations of S. albiguttalis had become established in the field, various efficacy studies were begun. The first of these began in September 1978; ultimately, data were collected at 15 sites throughout Florida. The objectives of these studies were to determine if S. albiguttalis would be persistent, if it could be augmented if it were not persistent, and if it had a significant impact upon waterhyacinth populations within the context of relative comparisons with other control agents and the plants' ability to recover from serious injury. Sameodes albiguttalis, more than either of the other two waterhyacinth insects, should fit comfortably into a management scheme. Its effectiveness may be maximized in a maintenance program where the waterhyacinth populations if constantly perturbed and always in a colonizing mode. Many possible management strategies exist in which this insect and herbicidal or mechanical control could be integrated and experimentation along these lines should be given a high future priority.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADP001789
Entities
People
- Ted D. Center